Isolated Limb Perfusion – A Single Center Experience

Srđan N, Igor D, Milan K, Vladimir J, Luka P, Nikola V, Stefan G, Ognjen P and Lila R

Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Serbia

^*Correspondance to: Srdjan Nikolic 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3670

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated limb perfusion is a method of locoregional treatment of tumors in the upper and lower extremities with high doses of chemotherapeutic agents that are delivered to the tumor in conditions of hyperthermia with the intention to keep the maximum drug concentration in the tumor and minimize systemic effects. Aim: The aim of our study was to analyze the initial results and responses of patients to isolated limb perfusion as a surgical intervention and to show the justification of performing this procedure in carefully selected patients. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Clinic for Surgical Oncology of the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. The study included 42 patients who underwent isolated limb perfusion procedure with the cytostatic melphalan in the period from 2015 to 2021. Results: The number of females included in the study was 27 (64.3%) and the number of males 15 (35.7%). The average age of patients was 57 (16-77) years. Isolated perfusion of the lower extremity was performed in 35 (83.3%) patients, while the upper extremity was treated in 7 (16.7%) patients. The total number of patients who had a good response to the procedure was 27 (69.2%), while 12 (30.8%) did not respond to isolated perfusion. 70.6% of patients with advanced and/or recurrent melanoma and 61.1% of patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma had a positive treatment outcome. Patients with aggressive fibromatosis responded well in 100% of cases. Conclusion: Isolated limb perfusion is an effective therapeutic option for well-selected patients with locoregional advanced disease. This procedure can successfully treat both locally advanced and recurrent melanomas and soft tissue sarcomas, as well as patients with aggressive fibromatosis.

Keywords

Isolated limb perfusion; Melanoma; Soft tissue sarcomas; Aggressive fibromatosis

Cite the article

Srđan N, Igor D, Milan K, Vladimir J, Luka P, Nikola V, et al. Isolated Limb Perfusion – A Single Center Experience. Clin Surg. 2023; 8: 3670..