One hundred consecutive isolated limb perfusions with TNF-alpha and melphalan in melanoma patients with multiple in-transit metastases.

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the experience with 100 TNF-based ILP for locally advanced melanoma and to determine prognostic factors for response, time to local progression, and survival.

Methods: One hundred TNF-based ILPs were performed between 1991 and 2003 in 87 patients for whom local control by surgery of in-transit melanoma metastases was impossible. In total, 62 iliac, 33 femoral, and 5 axillary ILPs were performed in mild hyperthermic conditions with 2 to 4 mg of TNF and 10 to 13 mg of melphalan per liter of limb volume.

Results: Overall response was 95%, with 69% complete response, 26% partial response, and 5% no change. Complete response rate differed significantly for patients with IIIA disease versus IIIAB and IV. Local and systemic toxicity was mild to moderate in almost all cases, with no treatment-related death and one treatment-related amputation. Five-year overall survival was 32%; local progression occurred in 55% after a median of 16 months. In complete response patients, 5-year survival was 42% with local progression in 52% at a median of 22 months. Response rate and survival were significantly influenced by stage of disease; (local progression free) survival was influenced by response rate.

Conclusions: TNF-based ILP results in excellent response rates in this patient population with unfavorable characteristics. Response on ILP predicts outcome in patients and reflects aggressiveness of the tumor.