Pleural Neoplasm

This phase II trial evaluates how well transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) works for treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer or lung metastases. TACE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting chemotherapy directly into an artery that supplies blood to tumors, and then blocking off the blood supply to the tumors. Mitomycin (chemotherapy), Lipiodol (drug carrier), and Embospheres (small plastic beads that block off the artery) are injected into the tumor-feeding artery. This traps the chemotherapy inside the tumor and also cuts off the tumor\'s blood supply. As a result, the tumor is exposed to a high dose of chemotherapy, and is also deprived of nutrients and oxygen. TACE can be effective at controlling or stopping the growth of lung tumors.

This study is designed to obtain preliminary data comparing indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) versus IPCs plus doxycycline for pleurodesis as treatments for malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are commonly used to treat pleural effusions (build-up of fluid in the lungs). Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is also used to treat pleural effusions. The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if adding doxycycline to the use of an IPC can lead to shorter treatment times with IPCs.