Daily chest tube drainage may offer faster relief for cancer patients with fluid in the lungs

NCT ID NCT00761618

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether draining fluid from the chest every day is better than draining it three times a week in people with advanced cancer who have a buildup of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). About 257 participants will get a small tube placed in their chest to drain the fluid. The goal is to see which schedule leads to faster removal of the tube and better symptom control.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: intrapleural catheter drainage
What this could lead to: If daily drainage works better, it could help patients breathe easier and have their catheter removed sooner, improving comfort in advanced cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with a moderate number of patients, so results may not be definitive. The intervention is palliative, not curative, and risks like infection or catheter blockage remain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer Pleural Effusion Pleural Effusion, Malignant

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ADVANCED CANCER PLEURAL EFFUSION

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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