Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
An Open-Source Normothermic Perfusion System Designed for Research Scientists
Published on: July 18, 2025
Selected hypoxic stop-flow perfusions: indication and limits
Stefano Guadagni1, Evangelos Kanavos, Mario Schietroma
1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. stefanoguadagni@interfree.it
Aims And Background:
The treatment of unresectable cancers is still one of the main medical challenges. Stop-flow perfusion has been used as locoregional chemotherapy based on blood supply blockage of the tumor-bearing area. The aim of the present paper is to report our personal experience in the clinical use of hypoxic stop-flow perfusion and discuss future prospects for research.
Methods And Study Design:
Since December 1997 more than 500 stop-flow perfusions have been performed at the University of L'Aquila. Hypoxic perfusion was adopted for the following indications: recurrent rectal cancer, advanced pancreatic cancer, recurrent pelvic and limb melanoma, and recurrent limb melanoma.
Results:
For recurrent rectal cancer median survival was 12.2 months, for advanced pancreatic cancer 9.6 months, for recurrent pelvic and limb melanoma 34.4 months, and for recurrent limb melanoma 23.8 months.
Conclusions:
Based on these encouraging results, stop-flow perfusion should be considered an effective treatment. Future fields of research include tailored chemotherapy and hyperthermia.
