Cytarabine and cisplatin in advanced malignant melanoma

Twenty-seven consecutive patients with advanced malignant melanoma were treated with cytarabine (Ara-C) and cisplatin. Of 25 evaluable patients, four achieved partial response, for a median duration of 3 months. Three of four responders belonged to the group of seven patients given Ara-C at a dose of 3 g/m2. The predominant toxic effect was hematologic and related to the dose of Ara-C. The cost-benefit ratio of this combination is inferior to that of dacarbazine or carmustine alone.