In patients with malignant pleural effusion, furosemide reduced pleural effusion in 80% of patients with serum BNP > 132 pg/mL compared to 0% in those with BNP ≤ 132 pg/mL.
Observational (n=13)
Yes
Does serum BNP predict response to furosemide in patients with malignant pleural effusion?
Serum BNP > 132 pg/mL may be a useful biomarker for selecting candidates for diuretic therapy in malignant pleural effusions.
Absolute Event Rate: 80% vs 0%
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) significantly diminishes the quality of life in cancer patients.While drainage is effective, it carries associated risks, leading to interest in diuretics, whose role remains unclear.In a series of 13 patients with metastatic disease treated with furosemide, 46% experienced improvement in dyspnea.Notably, patients with serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels > 132 pg/mL showed a superior response, both in symptom relief and effusion reduction.This suggests that BNP may be a useful biomarker for selecting candidates for diuretic therapy in MPEs.
Sáenz-Trevizo et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Malignant pleural effusion (n=13). Furosemide vs. Patients with BNP ≤ 132 pg/mL was evaluated on Reduction in pleural effusion (≥ 10%) at 5 days. In patients with malignant pleural effusion, furosemide reduced pleural effusion in 80% of patients with serum BNP > 132 pg/mL compared to 0% in those with BNP ≤ 132 pg/mL.