PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:~I. To obtain preliminary data comparing indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) versus IPCs plus doxycycline for pleurodesis as treatments for malignant pleural effusion (MPE).~OUTLINE: Patients choose 1 of 2 groups.~GROUP I: Patients undergo IPC placement and receive doxycycline via IPC 5 days later.~GROUP II: Patients undergo IPC placement.~After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 10-14 days and then monthly for up to a year.
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.