[New modifications in isolated extremity perfusion ]

Hyperthermic isolated extremity perfusion has been undertaken in 117 patients with advanced melanoma of the extremities from october 1979 to may 1981. Perfusion is indicated in cases above level III and tumor thickness above 1,5 mm. Among the cytostatic agents used were melphalane, melphalane and dactinomycin, nitrogen mustard/dactinomycin, as well as DTIC, cis-platinum and the combination of cis-platinum and dactinomycin. All cytostatics lead to tumor regression, as observed on tumors left in situ. Longterm results have yet to be awaited. While melphalane may be perfused at 42 degrees C, the cisplatinum perfused extremity should not be heated to above 40 degrees C because permanent neurological damage may be induced. For this reason maximal hyperthermia is reached before the cytostatic agent is introduced and has to be lowered when the drug is added.