Isolated Limb Infusion: A Single-Center Experience with Over 200 Infusions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Regional Chemotherapy

Background:

• Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is a minimally invasive regional chemotherapy technique for advanced extremity malignancies.
• This method is employed for treating locally advanced cutaneous malignancies and sarcomas in the limbs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Isolated Limb Infusion (ILI) in patients with locally advanced cutaneous malignancies and sarcomas.
• To assess treatment outcomes, including response rates, survival, and toxicity, associated with ILI.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a single-institution, prospectively collected database of patients undergoing ILI.
• Intention-to-treat analysis encompassing 163 patients and 205 procedures between 2007 and 2016.

Main Results:

• Melanoma was the most common indication (72.1%), followed by sarcoma (23.4%).
• Overall response rates varied by malignancy, with melanoma at 59.0%, sarcoma at 48.9%, SCC at 50.0%, and MCC at 60.0%.
• Melanoma patients who responded to ILI showed significantly longer in-field progression-free survival (IPFS), distant metastatic-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS). Sarcoma responders had improved IPFS but not DMFS or OS.

Conclusions:

• Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is a well-tolerated procedure for locally advanced melanoma, sarcoma, and other cutaneous malignancies.
• Patients responding to ILI, especially those with melanoma, benefit from prolonged IPFS, DMFS, and OS, highlighting ILI's potential in managing these cancers.