Single-dose quinacrine (atabrine) and thoracostomy in the control of pleural effusions in patients with neoplastic diseases

Thirty-nine patients with various malignant tumors developed intractable malignant effusions. The response rate in 12 patients given intracavitary quinacrine in small daily doses was 67%. Quinacrine was administered as a single dose through a thoracostomy tube in 27 patients. The response rate was 70%. There was no significant difference in useful response observed whether lung metastases were demonstrated or not. Signs and symptoms of quinacrine toxicity were observed in both patient groups with more of the disturbing and serious toxicity noted in the group receiving a single dose.