TNF dose reduction and shortening of duration of isolated limb perfusion for locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities is safe and effective in terms of long‐term patient outcome

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Dose reduction and shortening of duration of perfusion in isolated limb perfusion with TNF-α and Melphalan (TM-ILP) are associated with less systemic toxicity and seem to be safe and effective on short-term. However, data on long-term patient outcome are scarce. From 1991 to 2008, 102 TM-ILPs were performed in 98 patients for a locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity. Perfusions were categorized in three groups: (A) high dose and long duration (n = 59), (B) high dose and short duration (n = 16), and (C) low dose and short duration (n = 27). Long-term local control rates and (limb)-survival were evaluated. Limb salvage rates were in group A 76.3%, B 62.5%, and C 85.2% (P = 0.2). With a median follow up of 76 (range 4-203) months, 50 patients were still alive (51%). Disease-specific 5-year survival was not different between the three groups: A 55.4%, B 52.5%, and C 57.3% (P = 0.9). There was no difference in local recurrence-free 5-year survival (adjusted P = 0.1) and distant metastases-free survival (P = 0.9). Dose reduction and shorter duration of TM-ILP seem to be safe and effective regarding long-term patient outcome, as 5-year local control rates and (limb)-survival are not compromised.