Malignant cardiac tamponade in women with breast cancer treated by pericardiocentesis and intrapericardial administration of triethylenethiophosphoramide (thiotepa).

We treated 19 women with malignant cardiac tamponade due to advanced breast cancer with subxiphoid pericardiocentesis and local thiotepa instillation. The method has no serious side effects, prevents pericardial fluid reaccumulation, and, combined with systemic adjuvant therapy, prolongs survival.