Clinical Trial: Multiple Biomarkers in Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Study Status: Terminated
Recruit Status: Terminated
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Evaluation of Multiple Biomarkers in Serum and Pleural Fluid to Estimate the Probability of Cancer in Patients Presenting With an Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Brief Summary: The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the ability of various biomarkers measured in serum and/or pleural fluids to estimate the risk of finding cancer in patients with undiagnosed pleural effusions. An algorithm for prediction of the risk of finding cancer in the patient using an optimal combination of markers will be developed, and patients will be categorized as having a low, moderate, or high risk of finding cancer that might be used to more effectively triage patients.

Detailed Summary:

Approximately 1.6 million cases of pleural effusion are seen in the US per year, with ~210,000 of those cases due to underlying malignancy. Pleural fluids have traditionally been divided into two types: transudative and exudative. The most common causes of transudative pleural effusion are congestive heart failure and cirrhosis. Common causes of exudative pleural effusion include malignancy, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism and viral infection. One study found that 42% of all exudative effusions were due to malignancy, and another found that malignancy was the underlying cause of 24% of all effusions. Differential diagnosis of the various causes of effusions is complex and includes gross appearance of the pleural fluid (PF), differential cell count, cytology, glucose and LDH levels, and sometimes adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels. In addition, spiral CT scans, bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, needle biopsy of the pleura, and video assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) are all utilized to determine the underlying cause of pleural fluid accumulation. These procedures are expensive and may be traumatic to patients. In approximately 20% of patients presenting with pleural fluid accumulation, no underlying cause will be established. Despite promising results published in peer-reviewed journals over the last two decades, serum biomarkers have not gained acceptance as a standard of care in the management of patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma, or pleural effusion. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the ability of various biomarkers measured in serum and/or pleural fluids to estimate the risk of finding cancer in patients with undiagnosed pleural effusions. An algorithm for prediction of the risk of finding cancer in the patient using an optimal combination of markers will be developed, and patients will be categorized as having a low, moderate, or high risk of finding cancer that might be used to more effectively triage patien
Sponsor: Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.

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Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.

Dates:
Date Received: April 18, 2006
Date Started: March 2006
Date Completion:
Last Updated: November 7, 2011
Last Verified: November 2011