Could tiny chest tubes make fluid drainage less painful?

NCT ID NCT07208409

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study compares three sizes of small chest tubes (8, 12, and 14 French) for talc pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusion—fluid buildup due to cancer. The goal is to see if the smallest tubes work as well as slightly larger ones, potentially reducing pain and complications. Sixty adults will be randomly assigned to one of the three tube sizes, and researchers will track how often the tubes stay unblocked and how patients feel.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: talc
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that smaller chest tubes are just as effective for pleurodesis, causing less pain and making the procedure more comfortable for patients with malignant pleural effusion.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Smaller tubes might clog more easily, reducing effectiveness.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pleural Effusion, Malignant

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PLEURAL EFFUSION, MALIGNANT

Contacts and locations

Locations

The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital

Hong Kong, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.