21st February 2025

A 62-year-old man with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung is seen in the oncology clinic for a routine review.

A 62-year-old man with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung is seen in the oncology clinic for a routine review. He is currently receiving palliative chemotherapy and his team have suggested a likely prognosis of 6 months to a year.  On review of his symptoms, he reports a slight worsening of his shortness of breath over the last few weeks and on examination, his oncologist identifies a moderate right-sided pleural effusion. He has had right-sided thoracocentesis twice since his diagnosis a few months ago, with the most recent drain being placed around 2 weeks ago. 

What would be the most appropriate next step in management?

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