The impact of tunneled pleural catheters on the quality of life of patients with malignant pleural effusions.

Background: Tunneled pleural catheters (TPC) are used in the management of malignant pleural effusions (MPE), but the impact of this palliative procedure on patient quality of life (QoL) has not been well described. Objectives: To ascertain the impact of TPCs on symptoms and QoL of patients with recurrent MPE. Methods: Patients with recurrent MPE completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 QoL questionnaires at baseline, 2 and 14 weeks; FACIT-TS-G© treatment satisfaction surveys were completed at 14 weeks. Results: A total of 82 patients were recruited. Thirty-seven patients (37/82, 45%) died prior to their 14-week follow-up appointment. Significant improvements in dyspnea at 2 weeks were demonstrated with both dyspnea scores (LC13 baseline score 64.1, 2-week score 43.7, mean change –20.4, n = 56, p Conclusions: TPCs are associated with a significant improvement in global health status, QoL and dyspnea at the 2-week time point in patients with recurrent MPE.