Research Article
Treatment of malignant ascitic and pleural effusion with Corynebacterium parvum.
Br Med J 1978; 1 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.6109.338 (Published 11 February 1978) Cite this as: Br Med J 1978;1:338- H E Webb,
- S W Oaten,
- C P Pike
Abstract
Six patients with malignant effusions, five from adenocarcinomas and one from a melanoma, were treated by intrapleural or intraperitoneal Corynebacterium parvum. In each case there was a definite reduction in the effusions with a significant decrease in the number of malignant cells; in most cases the effusions stopped completely. Although none of the patients lived for more than a year after treatment, they were undoubtedly more comfortable, as they no longer required frequent paracentesis. In some cases the patients lived for longer than originally expected in a state in which the quality of life was acceptable.