Electrochemotherapy in the treatment of melanoma skin metastases: a report on 31 cases.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Electrochemotherapy is indicated for the treatment of unresectable cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. The technique involves the synergistic use of electroporation of cell membranes to increase the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs delivered to the tumor cells. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical effectiveness and safety of electrochemotherapy in the treatment of unresectable locoregional recurrent or metastatic melanomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 31 patients treated between January 2007 and December 2012. The European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy (ESOPE) were applied in all cases. Treatment response was analyzed as overall patient response (mean response based on results for all lesions treated in a given patient). RESULTS: Response was classified as partial in 49% of patients and complete in 23%. At 1 year, the level of response achieved had been maintained in 17 patients. Disease progression was observed in 28% of the series. Immediate local complications (pain, swelling, erythema) were mild and resolved within 48hours in most cases. Eight patients developed subsequent local complications, such as ulcers and secondary infections associated with necrosis of the lesions. These complications were brought under control with topical treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Electrochemotherapy is a very effective, safe, and efficient treatment for advanced locoregional disease in patients with unresectable melanoma lesions.