[Clinical results of extremity perfusion in malignant melanoma]

Side effects and results of isolated hyperthermic extremity perfusion in malignant melanoma at the University of Cologne were reviewed: Severe local and systemic side effects (WHO grade III, IV) occurred in 3%, 5-year survival rates were 100% in TNM stage I patients (n = 27), 88.7% in TNM stage II patients (n = 123), 46.4% in TNM stage III patients (n = 169) and 36.3% in TNM stage IV patients (n = 22). 5-year recurrence free survival rates were 100% in TNM stage I, 73.4% in TNM stage II, 20.8% in TNM stage III and in TNM stage IV 9.1%. Indication for extremity perfusion remains locoregional recurrent disease.