title: TNF-based limb perfusion for cutaneous melanoma in transit metastases: suggestions for modification of the perfusional schedule.
abstract: Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is currently considered the standard treatment for melanoma patients with extensive in-transit disease, and L-PAM, combined or not with TNF, represents the most active drug. We here report on our clinical experience with TNF-based limb perfusion. Thirty-seven stage III patients underwent TNF-based limb perfusion, 22 with bulky disease, 15 with recurrences after perfusion with L-PAM. Ten patients were enrolled in a phase I-II study and treated with escalating doses of TNF (0.5-3 mg). The impact of disease burden, temperature, perfusion duration was assessed on tumor response. No postoperative death was observed. No significant systemic toxicity was recorded. Locoregional toxicity was G5 in one patient, G3 in 2, G2 in 9 and G1 in 25. Twenty-four (66%) patients had complete response, 11 (31%) partial and 1 (3%) no change. After a median follow-up of 20 months 14 (38%) patients are NED, 10 (27%) are AWD and 13 (35%) DOD. No significant statistical difference for tumor response were seen for disease burden, ILP temperatures and duration. Our results showed that it is possible to modify the perfusion schedule, without compromising the response rate but with lower cost and toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Surgery Branch, Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. carlor.rossi@unipd.it
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Foletto
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mocellin
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Pilati
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Campana
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rubello
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ribello
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lise
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010478:Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005121:Extremities / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008558:Melphalan / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D008558:Melphalan