Comparison of intrapleural carboplatin and distilled water administered during operation for lung cancer

Abstract

The effect of the intrapleural administration of distilled water was compared with that of carboplatin (CBDCA) used for the destruction of scattered cancer cells during surgery for lung cancer. Samples were collected from eight lung cancer patients who received CBDCA (450 mg), and the pharmacokinetics were studied. The mean total serum platinum level 2 and 4 hours after instillation was 4.5 ug/ml and 2.0 ug/ml, respectively. The mean concentration of platinum in the mediastinal lymph nodes was 1.0 ug/g (wet). The sensitivity to CBDCA of seven lines of lung cancer cells was tested, and the IC₅₀ was found to be 50 ug/ml. Five resected cancer tissues and five cell lines were soaked in distilled water for 5 minutes, and in most of them more than 90 % of the cells were killed within 3 days. The intrapleural administration for 5 minutes of distilled water did not increase postoperative complications or affect serum electrolytes. It is concluded that intrapleural distilled water for 5 minutes can be used during surgery instead of carboplatin for the destruction of scattered lung cancer cells.