Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion for extremity sarcomas.
BACKGROUND
The treatment options available for extremity sarcomas are amputation or limb-sparing surgery with radiation, which may incur significant morbidity and body disfigurement. Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) may be an attractive option in extremity sarcomas for unresectable lesions to preserve limb function and maintain quality of life.


METHODS
We report the outcomes of 5 patients who underwent HILP for unresectable primary or recurrent extremity sarcomas from 1994 to 2000 at our institution.


RESULTS
All patients had initial complete clinical responses to HILP, and the limb was salvaged in 4 of the 5 patients. Complications included chronic lymphedema, neuropathic pain, and prolonged wound healing.


CONCLUSIONS
HILP with melphalan is a safe and effective treatment option for selected patients with locally advanced and unresectable extremity sarcomas. The response rates are high, with limb salvage occurring in most patients. Further studies of larger groups of patients are warranted.
Kim
C J
CJ
Cultaneous Oncology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Fla. 33612-9497, USA.
Puleo
C
C
Letson
G D
GD
Reintgen
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D010478:Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D015996:Survival Rate
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D008558:Melphalan