Background. Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) has been shown to be effective for locoregional metastases or local recurrent disease. Locoregional recurrences after previous HILP is an unsolved problem.
Methods. HILP with cisplatin, 20-30 mg/l perfused limb volume, was performed in seven patients with recurrent melanoma (five with Stage IIIA and two with Stage IIIAB) after previous HILP with melphalan with or without dactinomycin. A cisplatin perfusion without local excision was performed in four patients; this treatment resulted in two complete responses and one partial response. In three patients, a cisplatin perfusion was performed with local excision of the in-transit metastases.
Results. During a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 10-25 months), in five (83%) patients the tumor recurred locally after a median period of 5 months (range, 3-11 months). No systemic toxicity was observed. Local toxicity consisted of postperfusion edema and neurotoxicity in all patients. The edema resolved within 2 weeks, which was in contrast to persistent neurotoxicity. A severe motor-sensory neuropathy was observed in three (43%) patients and mild sensory neuropathy in four (57%) patients.
Conclusions. The severe neurotoxicity and the high local recurrence rate do not justify the use of HILP with cisplatin for recurrent melanoma after previous HILP with melphalan with or without dactinomycin.