ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of our modified ILP treatment with borderline true hyperthermia and high melphalan concentration in stage III lower limb melanoma. METHODS: Between March 1990 and December 2006, 91 consecutive patients were given ILP treatment. Forty three patients were treated with double L-PAM bolus combined with D-actinomicin; 48 patients were treated with additional L-PAM bolus alone. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period is 68.5 months. The acute regional toxicity occurred with grade II (54%), III (38%), IV (2.1%). The systemic toxic effects were present with transitory hematological disorders. Complete response (CR) rate was observed in 89.2% of stage IIIA-IIIAB unexcised IT-mets. The overall limb recurrent disease in stage III was 39%. In patients with CR recurrent rate occurred in 44% with a mean limb recurrence-free interval (LRFI) of 23.8 months. Distant metastases was attained with a mean time of 29.2 months. After CR, the interval was 32.1 months. The 5-year survival rate was 45%; in patients with CR, was 48%. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure is an important therapeutic option. The results suggest a marked local control of the recurrent disease. The LRFI is longer than for those treated with other treatment schedules.