Phase I Intra-patient Dose Escalation Study of the IL-6 Receptor Antagonist Tocilizumab Delivered Via Pleural and Peritoneal Catheters in Patients With Pleural Effusion or Peritoneal Ascites Due to Metastatic Cancer
The purpose of this study to find out if tocilizumab can be safely infused into chest or abdominal cavities of patients with malignancy ascites (MA) or malignant pleural effusions (MPE). Patients will have a total of 4 doses, one dose administered each week. Each dose will be greater than the previous one.
• Males or females ages 18-89 years
• Female patients must have a negative pregnancy test and agree to use contraception. Female patients receiving tocilizumab should maintain adequate contraceptive measures during and for a minimum of 90 days after the last dose of tocilizumab. Male patients receiving tocilizumab should maintain adequate contraceptive measures during and for a minimum of 60 days after the last dose of tocilizumab.
• Biopsy-proven diagnosis of malignancy with cytologic or radiographic evidence of malignant pleural effusion or ascites
• Scheduled to undergo standard-of-care pleural or peritoneal drainage catheter placement
• ECOG 0-2
• Able to read and understand consent in English and provide informed consent