ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects and the toxicity of intrapleural injection of natural growth factors (NGF, with main component of staphylococcal aureus enterotoxin C) in the treatment of patients with malignant pleural effusions. METHODS: Patients with histopathologically confirmed malignant pleural effusions were evaluated for treatment with NGF. Twelve patients with malignant pleural effusions received NGF pleural instilations until the end of the survey. Drugs were administered according to the following schedule: NGF 2000-2500 intrapleural injection twice weekly. The courses stopped when pleural effusions disappeared or severe toxic reactions occurred. RESULTS: A total of 12 objective responses were assessed, including 10 complete responses (83%), and 2 partial responses. Mean time of following up was 11.1 (3-25) months, 11 patients died during the visit, and the mean survival time was 10.2 months, significantly longer than that (