Efficacy of repeat isolated limb infusion with melphalan and actinomycin D for recurrent melanoma |
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Authors: | Hidde M. Kroon MD D‐Yin Lin MD Peter C. A. Kam MD John F. Thompson MD |
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Affiliation: | 1. Sydney Melanoma Unit, Sydney Cancer Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia;2. Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia;3. Discipline of Anaesthetics, the University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;4. Discipline of Surgery, the University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;5. Fax: (011) 61 2 9954‐9435 |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for delivering regional chemotherapy in patients with metastatic melanoma confined to a limb. Recurrent or progressive disease after an ILI, however, presents a challenge for further treatment. The value of repeat ILI in this situation has not been well documented. METHODS: Forty‐eight patients were identified who had been treated with a repeat ILI. In all patients, a cytotoxic combination of melphalan and actinomycin D was used. RESULTS: The median time between the 2 procedures was 11 months. The complete response (CR) rate after repeat ILI was 23%, compared with 31% after the initial ILI (P = .36). The overall response was 83%, compared with 75% after the first procedure (P = .32). The median duration of response was 11 months (10 months for patients with CR; P = .80), and median survival was 38 months. In those patients achieving a CR, the median survival was 68 months (P = .003). Toxicity after repeat ILI was increased, with 20 patients experiencing Wieberdink grade III limb toxicity (considerable erythema and edema with blistering) and 5 patients experiencing grade IV toxicity (threatened or actual compartment syndrome), whereas after the initial ILI these toxicity grades occurred in 14 patients and 1 patient, respectively (P = .03). No patient experienced grade V toxicity (requiring amputation). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat ILI is an attractive treatment option to achieve limb salvage in patients with inoperable recurrent or progressive melanoma after a previous ILI. It can be associated with significant short‐term regional toxicity, but is well tolerated by most patients, with satisfactory response rates. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society. |
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Keywords: | metastatic melanoma isolated limb infusion hypoxia regional chemotherapy limb salvage |
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