Outcomes following isolated limb infusion for melanoma. A 14-year experience

Ann Surg Oncol. 2008 Nov;15(11):3003-13. doi: 10.1245/s10434-008-9954-6. Epub 2008 May 29.

Abstract

Background: Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is a minimally invasive technique for delivering regional chemotherapy in patients with advanced and metastatic melanoma confined to a limb. It is essentially a low-flow isolated limb perfusion (ILP) performed via percutaneous catheters without oxygenation.

Methods: From our prospective database 185 patients with advanced metastatic melanoma of the limb treated with a single ILI between 1993 and 2007 were identified. In all patients a cytotoxic drug combination of melphalan and actinomycin-D was used. Drug circulation time was 20-30 min under mild hyperthermic conditions (38-39 degrees C).

Results: The majority of patients (62%) were female. Their average age was 74 years (range 29-93 years). Most patients had MD Anderson stage III disease (134/185). The overall response rate was 84% [complete response (CR) rate 38%, partial response rate 46%]. Median response duration was 13 months (22 months for patients with CR; P = 0.01). Median follow-up was 20 months and median survival was 38 months. In those patients with a CR, the median survival was 53 months (P = 0.005). CR rate and survival time decreased with increasing stage of disease. On multivariate analysis significant factors for a favorable outcome were achievement of CR, stage of disease, thickness of primary melanoma, the CO(2 )level in the isolated circuit, and a Wieberdink limb toxicity score of III (considerable erythema and edema).

Conclusion: The response rates and duration of response after ILI are comparable to those achieved by conventional ILP. ILI is a minimally invasive alternative to the much more complex and morbid conventional ILP technique for patients with advanced metastatic melanoma confined to a limb.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion*
  • Dactinomycin / administration & dosage
  • Extremities
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / parasitology
  • Melphalan / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Survival Rate
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dactinomycin
  • Melphalan