Pleuroscopy First Versus Thoracentesis First in Patients with Suspected Malignant Pleural Effusions

This is a randomized control trial of patients with suspected malignant pleural effusions comparing patients who undergo either pleuroscopy or thoracentesis as the first diagnostic test. Both procedures are considered standard of care for this diagnosis but it is unknown which one provides more adequate biopsy samples and achieves faster diagnosis and shorter time to oncologic treatment. Currently, most patients undergo thoracentesis first and, if this is inadequate for diagnosis, they then undergo pleuroscopy for further biopsy samples. This study seeks to assess whether patients who undergo pleuroscopy as the first test obtain adequate biopsy samples and a faster path to further oncologic care compared to patients who undergo thoracentesis first. Patients will be recruited and randomized in a 1:1 manner.

Ultrasound is routinely used prior to the procedure and a chest x-ray is done after the procedure. Any other imaging will be determined by clinic need only. No imaging will be done for research purposes. No additional samples will be collected other than what is necessary for diagnostic purposes. In patients who have a non-diagnostic thoracentesis, the participants will be referred for pleuroscopy as the next diagnostic step. In the rare case that pleuroscopy does not achieve adequate diagnosis, the next step would be a liquid biopsy (non-invasive serologic testing for oncologic markers.) The need for liquid biopsy in participants in this study will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the clinical concern for malignancy.