title: Liposomal doxorubicin in the perfusional treatment of advanced soft tissue limb sarcoma.
abstract: Liposome-containing doxorubicin has been employed in the treatment of advanced soft tissue limb sarcoma during hyperthermic perfusion. A phase I-II study was carried out starting with a standard dose of 10 mg//L of limb volume, the dosage was escalated with 2 mg for each triplet of patients. The maximum tolerable (MTD) dose was established as the amount able to cause a grade IV limb reaction at least in two out of three patients, the temperature level remained unchanged (41.5 degrees C). The grade of limb reaction ranged between I-II (mild edema and erythema). Only in two patients treated with 18 mg/L of limb volume was a grade IV limb reaction observed, therefore MTD at a temperature of 41.5 degrees C is 16 mg. A good tumor response was observed in 29% of the patients, partial response in 71%. The tumor shrinkage after perfusion permitted conservative surgery in 91% of the cases.
authors.affiliation: Regina Elena National Cancer Institute - Rome, Italy. difilippo@ifo.it
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Filippo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cavaliere
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anzà
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garinei
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Botti
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perri
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Di Angelo
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Patrizi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Di Filippo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Visca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D010478:Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion / Q000379:methods*; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005121:Extremities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008081:Liposomes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D008081:Liposomes; D004317:Doxorubicin