Intracavitary cisplatin (CDDP) in the treatment of metastatic pericardial involvement from breast and lung cancer.

Seven patients with lung cancer and two with breast cancer developed a symptomatic pericardial effusion and were treated with intrapericardial cisplatin (CDDP). In all of the patients, cytological confirmation of metastatic effusion was achieved. A single cycle with 10 mg of cisplatin diluted in 20 ml of normal saline was administered for five consecutive days via an intrapericardial catheter. Control of recurrent effusions was obtained in eight of the nine patients. No significant side-effects were observed.