Clinical observation on the efficacy of thermotherapy combined with cisplatin in the treatment of old patients with malignant pleural effusion

Objective To explore the efficacy of thermotherapy combined with cisplatin in the treatment of old patients with malignant pleural effusion. Methods Forty elderly patients of malignant pleural effusion with chest tightness and shortness of breath were randomly divided into the control group (pleural effusion drainage followed by infusion of 75 mg/m2 cisplatin) and the study group (pleural effusion drainage followed by infusion of 75 mg/m2 cisplatin and then thermotherapy). The absorption of pleural effusion was observed. Results The success rate of thoracentesis was 100%. The total effective rate was 90% in the study group and 65% in the control group after treatment, with statistically significant difference between the two groups (P0.05). No significant abnormal liver and kidney function was found in the two groups. Conclusion Thermotherapy combined with cisplatin after pleural effusion drainage is safe and effective for the treatment of elderly patients with malignant pleural effusion, which is superior than simply infusion of cisplatin.