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, vomiting, and fever, while hair loss was rare. 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.