11th January 2024

A 56-year-old lady with known metastatic breast cancer is admitted to the respiratory ward as an elective admission for management of her recurrent left-sided pleural effusion.

A 56-year-old lady with known metastatic breast cancer is admitted to the respiratory ward as an elective admission for management of her recurrent left-sided pleural effusion. She has had 3 previous intercostal drains inserted and 1 attempt at sterile talc pleurodesis after confirmation the pleural effusion was related to malignancy. She remains symptomatic with recurrent accumulation of the fluid. 

Given this patient’s history, what is the next most appropriate management strategy?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.