Current status of hyperthermic limb perfusion for in-transit melanoma

In-transit disease is a unique form of regional lymphatic spread of melanoma that is considered an infrequent event although certain high-risk subgroups have been identified with higher incidence rates. Although this disease entity is associated with a high risk for distant relapse, regionally focused treatment of disease is important due to the high morbidity associated with in-transit disease. Isolated limb perfusion has been a utilized method of regional treatment since the 1950's. The technical aspects, indications, historical results, and toxicity of limb perfusion are reviewed. Finally, perfusion based treatment of in-transit melanoma is an excellent model for studying novel agents and regimens in both the pre-clinical and patient care setting.