Pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: The aim of this review is to ascertain the optimal technique of pleurodesis in cases of malignant pleural effusion. In view of the large number of different sclerosants that have been used, though some only on a small number of patients, we have restricted our review to answering only the following questions: Is talc superior to bleomycin in achieving pleurodesis? Is talc superior to the tetracyclines in achieving pleurodesis? Is bleomycin superior to the tetracyclines in achieving pleurodesis? Is the use of a chemical sclerosant superior to not using any sclerosant for achieving a pleurodesis? Is pleurodesis under thoracoscopy superior to bedside pleurodesis with tube thoracostomy? Are small bore catheters for thoracostomy superior to standard large bore thoracostomy tubes, for performing a pleurodesis?