Palliation of thoracic malignancies

• Published in: Surgical oncology 2007-12, Vol.16 (4), p.259-265
• Main Authors: Gasper, Warren J, Jamshidi, Ramin, Theodore, Pierre R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Airway Obstruction - etiology; Airway Obstruction - therapy; Esophageal cancer; Esophageal Stenosis - etiology; Esophageal Stenosis - therapy; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Lung cancer; Malignant airway obstruction; Malignant esophageal obstruction; Malignant pericardial effusion; Malignant pleural effusion; Palliative care; Palliative Care - methods; Pericardial Effusion - etiology; Pericardial Effusion - therapy; Pleural Effusion, Malignant - etiology; Pleural Effusion, Malignant - therapy; Prognosis; Pulmonary metastasis; Stents; Surgery; Thoracic Neoplasms - complications; Thoracic Neoplasms - pathology; Thoracic Neoplasms - therapy
• ISSN: 0960-7404; 1879-3320
• DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2007.08.009

Summary The sequelae of advanced malignancies of the chest, whether primary or metastatic, can be severely debilitating. In this review, we discuss the advances in palliative treatment for several intrathoracic complications of malignancy. The treatment of malignant pleural and pericardial effusions now includes a range of chemical sclerosants and percutaneous or surgical interventions. A new generation of promising stent and ablation technologies allows for the treatment of intrinsic or extrinsic airway obstruction. Similar techniques are being explored for esophageal obstruction, while the possible benefit of palliative radiation and chemotherapy continues to be investigated. Although their symptoms are often severe, patients with advanced thoracic malignancies have a growing number and variety of palliative treatment options to improve their quality of life.