Isolated limb infusion: a review

J Surg Oncol. 2009 Aug 1;100(2):169-77. doi: 10.1002/jso.21280.

Abstract

Isolated limb perfusion is the preferred treatment option for locally advanced melanoma and sarcoma confined to a limb. This treatment results in high response rates with a satisfying duration of response in both tumours. A drawback of isolated limb perfusion, however, is the invasive and complex character of the procedure.Isolated limb infusion has been designed as a minimally invasive alternative to isolated limb perfusion. Treatment results of this simple technique, reported by various centres worldwide, show comparable response rates for melanoma and sarcoma. Therefore isolated limb infusion may replace isolated limb perfusion in the future as the preferred treatment option for these locally advanced limb tumours.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion / adverse effects
  • Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion / methods*
  • Extremities
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / mortality
  • Melphalan / pharmacokinetics
  • Prognosis
  • Sarcoma / drug therapy
  • Vascular Diseases / drug therapy

Substances

  • Melphalan