Successful treatment of in-transit melanoma metastases using topical 2-4 dinitrochlorobenzene.
A 78-year-old woman presented with multiple histologically proven in-transit melanoma metastases involving the lower half of the left leg. Initial therapy with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy had some short-lived success but was not tolerated by the patient. As further lesions began to develop, daily topical application of 2% 2-4 dinitrochlorobenzene to the lesions was commenced. During the first 2 years of therapy a partial response was achieved, with treated lesions regressing while new lesions developed. Eventually a long-term remission of almost 2 years with no clinical evidence of cutaneous melanoma deposits was achieved. This treatment did not prevent metastatic lymph node and ultimately fatal liver involvement. Topical immunotherapy can be a useful adjunct in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma metastases, particularly in those patients who are unable to tolerate other destructive modalities of therapy.
von Nida
Jamie
J
Department of Dermatology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Quirk
Chris
C
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018450:Disease Progression; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Q000473:pathology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*
D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents