Long-term results of isolated limb perfusion with hyperthermia in patients with limb melanoma

Abstract

Introduction. In patients with local recurrences of melanoma or with transit metastases of this tumor located distal to the axilla and inguinal region, the use of isolated regional limb perfusion is considered as one of the effective treatment options.Aim. To evaluate the long-term results of treatment extremities melanoma using the method of isolated regional perfusion of the extremities.Materials and methods. An analysis of the treatment and observation results of 72 patients (12 men and 60 women) with melanoma of the extremities was carried out, the median age was 56.7 years (from 25 to 78 years). All patients underwent isolated regional perfusion with hyperthermia using melphalan at doses of 10 mg/l volume for the lower limb and 13 mg/l volume for the upper limb. Patient survival for 5 years, the incidence of relapses and metastases of melanoma, as well as the frequency of limb amputation were assessed.Results. The rate of complete response to treatment was 13.9 %, in the vast majority of cases there was a partial regression – in 72.2 % of cases. There was no response to treatment in only 13.9 % of patients.Recurrence of transit metastases within 5 years developed in 52 (72.2 %) patients. Amputation was performed only in 11.1 % of cases. The 1-year survival rate was 91.7 %, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma patients who underwent isolated regional perfusion was 55.6 %.Сonclusion. Isolated regional perfusion under conditions of hyperthermia with melphalan is an effective and safe method of treatment in terms of long-term results of melanoma treatment, providing a 5-year patient survival rate of 55.6 %, a low rate of amputations and metastasis.