Isolated Hyperthermic Chemotherapy Perfusion for Limb Melanoma Is a Safe Procedure

The study evaluated isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with melphalan in 56 patients with limb melanoma, focusing on tumor response, systemic toxicity, and survival. A 92% response rate was observed, with 31 complete and 17 partial responses. Bone marrow depression occurred in 59% of patients, with varying severity, and was negatively correlated with systemic leakage. Common side effects included nausea and vomiting (82%), fever (31%), and scalp hair loss (4%). The median hospital stay was 16 days, and the 5-year survival rate was 49% for therapeutic and 100% for prophylactic perfusion. ILP was deemed a suitable treatment for in-transit metastases confined to a limb, with manageable systemic toxicity.