Baseline predictors of negative and incomplete pleural cytology in patients with suspected pleural malignancy - Data supporting 'Direct to LAT' in selected groups.

Tsim, S., Paterson, S., Cartwright, D., Fong, C. J., Alexander, L., Kelly, C. , Holme, J., Evison, M. and Blyth, K. G. (2019) Baseline predictors of negative and incomplete pleural cytology in patients with suspected pleural malignancy - Data supporting 'Direct to LAT' in selected groups. Lung Cancer, 133, pp. 123-129. (doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.05.017) (PMID:31200818)

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Abstract

Negative effusion cytology is more common in certain forms of Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) and results in pathway delay. Local Anaesthetic Thoracoscopy (LAT) is extremely sensitive and safe but cannot be offered to all. A stratified pathway, including 'Direct to LAT' in selected cases could enhance patient experience but requires reliable baseline predictors of unhelpful cytology, including both negative (no malignant cells) and incomplete results (malignant cells identified but predictive markers failed), since pleural biopsies will be required in the latter for optimal management. This retrospective analysis of a prospective multi-centre study, sought to identify baseline features for pathway rationalization. 363/638 (57%) of patients recruited to the DIAPHRAGM study (ISRCTN10079972) were included. Prospective data, including final diagnoses, asbestos exposure and fluid cytology results were supplemented by retrospective Computed Tomography (CT) and predictive marker reports. Independent predictors of negative and incomplete cytology were determined by multivariable logistic regression. Contingency tables were used to assess diagnostic value of cytology in associated phenotypes. 238/363 (66%) patients were diagnosed with MPE (18 tumour types). Fluid cytology was negative in 151/238 (63%) and independently associated with asbestos-exposure (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.34) and a malignant CT (OR 2.25). When both features were recorded the sensitivity and negative predictive value of fluid cytology were 19% (95% CI 11-30%) and 9% (95% CI 4-20%)), respectively. Cytology was incomplete in 34/238 (14%), i.e. 47% of positive cytology cases) but was not associated with any baseline feature. ORs for incomplete cytology in Ovarian, Breast, Renal and Lung Cancer were 83, 22, 21 and 9, respectively. Negative cytology is extremely likely in patients with asbestos exposure and a malignant CT report. A 'Direct-to-LAT' approach may be appropriate in this setting. No baseline predictors of incomplete cytology were identified.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The DIAPHRAGM study was funded by the Chief Scientist Office Scotland (ETM/285).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Tsim, Dr Selina and Kelly, Mrs Caroline and Fong, Dr Christopher and Blyth, Professor Kevin and Alexander, Mrs Laura and Cartwright, Dr Douglas
Authors: Tsim, S., Paterson, S., Cartwright, D., Fong, C. J., Alexander, L., Kelly, C., Holme, J., Evison, M., and Blyth, K. G.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Lung Cancer
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0169-5002
ISSN (Online):1872-8332
Published Online:16 May 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Lung Cancer 133:123-129
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
168769An examination of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in malignant pleural mesotheliomaKevin BlythOffice of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)ETM/285CS - Clinical Research Garscube