Thoracic perfusion of matrine as an adjuvant treatment improves the control of the malignant pleural effusions

BACKGROUND Many studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of matrine in treating malignant pleural effusion by thoracic perfusion. This study is an analytic value of available evidence. METHODS Twelve studies were analyzed in this study. Pooled odds ratios and hazard ratio with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated using the fixed effects model. RESULTS Overall response rate of matrine combined with other medications in treating malignant pleural effusion (MPE) was significantly higher than those of other medications alone (p < 0.05). Time to pleural effusion relief and quality of life were improved after the treatment of matrine combined with other medications (p < 0.05). Moreover, matrine combined with other medications had a lower incidence of adverse reactions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Matrine combined with other medications improves the control of the malignant pleural effusions and decreases the incidence of adverse reactions.