Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 90

Local anesthesia thoracoscopy for diagnosing pleural effusion

Official title: Local Anesthesia Thoracoscopy as a First Line Approach in the Diagnosis of Suspected Malignant Pleural Effusion: FLAT Trial.

Run by National and Kapodistrian University of Athens · NCT06946498 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if using local anesthesia during a thoracoscopy can help diagnose suspected cancer-related fluid buildup in the chest faster and more comfortably than standard tests.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Athens, Attica)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 23, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 27, 2025
Trial IDNCT06946498 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion characterized as lymphocytic exudate.

Probably not a fit

Patients with empyema, transudate pleural effusion, or significant airway obstruction may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Local Anesthesia Thoracoscopy (LAT) as a first-line diagnostic tool for patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion. It compares outcomes between patients undergoing LAT and those receiving standard diagnostic procedures, which typically involve multiple cytological tests before biopsy. The study aims to assess the efficacy, sensitivity, hospitalization duration, time to diagnosis, and overall safety and comfort of both approaches. By streamlining the diagnostic process, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce delays in treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to quicker and more accurate diagnoses for patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with minimally invasive diagnostic techniques, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undiagnosed pleural effusion with the character of a lymphocytic exudate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Empyema
* Transudate pleural effusion.
* Central airway obstruction by tumor.
* Existence of extensive adhesions that do not allow the development of iatrogenic pneumothorax and the safe entry of the thoracoscope.
* Uncontrollable cough.
* Acute respiratory failure and/or Hypercapnia.
* Performance Status: 5

Where it's running

  • Sotiria General Hospital of Thoracic Diseases
    Athens, Attica, Greece
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.