A randomized, phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of intrapleural instillation of methylprednisolone acetate in the management of malignant pleural effusion.

Study Objectives: To determine if intrapleural administration of methylprednisolone acetate (MA) after therapeutic thoracentesis for symptomatic malignant pleural effusion improved time to repeat thoracentesis for symptom control, quality of life (QOL), and dyspnea.

Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting: A tertiary care cancer treatment center in Edmonton, AB, Canada.