[Efficacy of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF-alpha) associated with interferon-gamma and chemotherapy in extracorporeal circulation in the limb in inoperable malignant melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and epidermoid carcinoma. A 4-year experience]

Bull Cancer. 1995 Jul;82(7):561-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The authors review their experience of 4 years with isolated limb perfusion for the application of high dose TNF-alpha associated to IFN-gamma and melphalan for the treatment of regionally advanced tumours such as malignant melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and epidermoid carcinoma. In malignant melanoma, the complete remission rate reaches 91%. In irresectable soft tissue sarcoma, this treatment when used as a neoadjuvant treatment saves the limb from amputation in 87.5% of the cases. Similar results are obtained for epidermoid carcinoma. With the regional application of high doses of TNF-alpha associated to chemotherapy and IFN-gamma, it has been possible to validate the concept of a strategy based on a dual targeting, that is the selective impact of the intratumoral vessels by TNF-alpha and of the tumour cells by chemotherapy. This approach appears to be the treatment of choice for locally advanced tumours of the limbs. However, as a single therapy, this procedure should be considered in melanoma as an induction therapy, and in sarcoma, as a preoperative treatment.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / therapeutic use*
  • Arm
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / therapeutic use*
  • Leg
  • Melphalan / administration & dosage
  • Melphalan / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Sarcoma, Clear Cell / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoma, Clear Cell / pathology
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Melphalan