title: Treatment of in-transit melanoma with intra-lesional interleukin-2: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several phase II studies have assessed intra-lesional interleukin-2 (IL-2) for the treatment of in-transit melanoma. This systematic review addresses the efficacy and side effect profile of IL-2.
  
  
  METHODS
  MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched from 1980 to 2012 for studies evaluating the clinical response to IL-2 for in-transit melanoma. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent researchers for suitability using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A modified quality assessment tool for observational studies was used. Data were pooled and analyzed to determine lesion and patient response rates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-nine studies were identified. Forty-three did not meet inclusion criteria, leaving six observational trials. Heterogeneity was seen in IL-2 dosage and treatment interval. Response rate was variable as well. Overall, 2,182 lesions and 140 patients were treated in these six studies. Pooling the lesions, complete response was seen in 78%. Pooling subjects, 50% achieved a complete response. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with localized pain and swelling, and mild flu-like symptoms. There were only three grade 3 adverse events reported, including rigors, headache, and fever with arthralgia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intra-lesional IL-2 safely and effectively provides locoregional control of in-transit melanoma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Brett A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Byers
authors.forename: Claire F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Temple-Oberle
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hurdle
authors.forename: J Greg
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: McKinnon
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007376:Interleukin-2
keywords: in-transit melanoma; interleukin-2; intra-lesional; melanoma