[Experience in the treatment of cutaneous in-transit melanoma metastases and satellitosis with intralesional interleukin-2].
BACKGROUND
Although metastatic melanoma has a poor prognosis, cutaneous metastases represent a special case given their ready accessibility, making it possible for dermatologists to apply local treatment. We report our experience with intralesional treatment with interleukin (IL) 2 in 7 patients with cutaneous metastases from malignant melanoma.


METHODS
A total of 244 lesions in 7 patients with satellitosis and/or cutaneous metastases from malignant melanoma were treated with intralesional IL-2 twice a week. The maximum dose in each patient ranged from 3 to 18 million units per session, according to the number and size of lesions.


RESULTS
Complete or partial remission was achieved in almost all lesions (95.9 % and 3.7 %, respectively).Only 1 lesion (0.4 %) -the largest and located subcutaneously- did not respond to intralesional treatment and required alcoholization and subsequent surgical removal to achieve cure. All partial responses occurred in subcutaneous lesions larger than 2 cm. Treatment was well tolerated with only a few mild side effects (grade 1-2).


CONCLUSIONS
IL-2 may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option in patients with satellitosis and cutaneous metastases from melanoma. Lesions smaller than 2 cm and located in the epidermis or superficial dermis respond better than those larger than 2 cm or located in the subcutaneous cellular tissue. More studies are necessary to establish appropriate doses and regimens.
Dehesa
L A
LA
Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, España.
Vilar-Alejo
J
J
Valerón-Almazán
P
P
Carretero
G
G
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007376:Interleukin-2