Swenerton et al listed criteria for pleural involvement by metastatic breast cancer and its response to therapy. The authors are from the University of Texas Houston M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Findings
Extent
blunting of costovertebral angle with pleural cytology positive for tumor
minimal
unilateral effusion, filling < 50%
moderate
unilateral effusion, filling >= 50%
extensive
bilateral effusions
extensive
Findings After Treatment
Response to Treatment
complete disappearance of pleural fluid with negative cytology
complete
decrease in tumor extent by >= 50%
partial
no change in the extent of tumor
stable
increased tumor extent OR need for thoracentesis
progression
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