Kazan Federal University and Fox Chase Cancer Center have unveiled promising research results on how to protect against malignant pleural effusion, according to a study published in BMC Cancer.

Researchers found that a combination of talcum and hydrogel, evenly distributed between pleurae, can absorb liquid more effectively in cancer-stricken mice. This led to the mice living up to 55% longer than those who received standard therapy.

“Importantly, the increased effectiveness of hydrogel infusion allows to remove a suction tube quicker. This reduces the risk of pleural inflammation or aeration of the pleural cavity,” says senior research associate Alexander Deneka from the Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Bases of Pathogenesis and Therapy of Cancer Diseases at Kazan Federal University.