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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma
Published on: January 25, 2015
Unexpected clinical outcome in a patient with liver and brain metastasis from melanoma
Carmen Nuzzo1, Massimo Zeuli, Virginia Ferraresi
1Department of Medical Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy. carmen.nuzzo@libero.it
Abstract:
The treatment of disseminated melanoma is inadequate. The most active single agents provide brief objective response in 20% of patients, while the combination chemotherapy improves response rates without any apparent survival benefit. Median overall survival is, in fact, 7-9 months and 5 year survival is approximately 6%. Metastatic melanoma with a localization of the disease in the liver and brain are categorized as M1c and have the worst prognosis. Here we describe the history, treatment and favourable clinical outcome in a young man with liver and resected brain metastases who obtained complete remission for 6 years since chemotherapy with dacarbazine, cisplatin and vinblastine.
Insights
Treatment for advanced melanoma is challenging. A young patient with liver and brain metastases achieved a 6-year complete remission using dacarbazine, cisplatin, and vinblastine chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Disseminated melanoma treatment remains inadequate, with limited efficacy of single agents and no clear survival benefit from combination chemotherapy.
- Metastatic melanoma (M1c stage) involving the liver and brain carries a poor prognosis, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic strategies.
Observation:
- A young male patient presented with metastatic melanoma affecting the liver and brain.
- The patient underwent surgical resection of brain metastases.
Findings:
- The patient received combination chemotherapy with dacarbazine, cisplatin, and vinblastine.
- Complete remission was achieved and sustained for 6 years, indicating a favorable clinical outcome.
Implications:
- This case suggests that aggressive chemotherapy, even in advanced melanoma with visceral metastases, can lead to long-term remission.
- Further research into similar treatment regimens for M1c melanoma patients is warranted to explore potential survival benefits.
