[Serratia marcescens vaccine in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of Serratia marcescens (S311) vaccine in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.

Methods: Thirty-four patients with malignant pleural effusion were given S311 as intrapleural injection with a dose of 10(9) U (0.32 mg) on D 1, 8 and 15, and observed for four weeks.

Results: The overall response rate (CR + PR) was 97.1% (CR in 12 patients and PR in 21 patients). The systemic toxicity was mild, including fever (82.4%), pleuritic pain (50.7%), nansea (26.5%), dyspnea (17.5%) and chills (5.9%).

Conclusion: Serratia marcescens vaccine is effective for malignant pleural effusion, with tolerable toxic effects. Further study is warranted.