Reviewing treatment options for patients with in-transit melanoma

This study reviewed treatment options for patients with in-transit melanoma. This study found that using treatments targeted to a specific area of the body may improve survival for these patients.

In-transit melanoma (ITM) is a type of cancer that is in the process of spreading throughout the body (metastasis). It can be difficult to treat. In-transit melanoma has a high chance of coming back.

For patients with tumors that have not spread, surgery is the standard of care. However, some patients may not be good candidates for surgery. Treatment of the tumor and the area around it (locoregional) is the next step. There are many locoregional treatment options available. The effectiveness and safety of these treatments for patients with ITM remain under investigation.

This study compared the results of 57 studies. These studies involved 8 different treatments for in-transit melanoma. These treatments included amputation, targeted chemotherapy, carbon dioxide laser, and topical cream.

7 studies evaluated amputation as a treatment. These studies involved 196 patients. On average, patients survived for 7 to 28 months after treatment. On average, 24% of patients were still alive 5 years later.

15 studies evaluated hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP). This type of treatment delivers high doses of chemotherapy at a high temperature to the limb that has cancer. These studies involved 1554 patients. Overall, 77% of patients responded to this treatment. On average, 26% to 49% of patients were still alive 5 years later.

8 studies evaluated isolated limb infusion in 1000 patients. This treatment is like HILP but is not performed at high temperatures. Overall, 59% of patients responded to this treatment. On average, 46% of patients were still alive 5 years later.

9 studies evaluated the use of a carbon dioxide laser in 209 patients. This laser is used to remove the cancer cells. Overall, 71% of patients responded to this treatment. On average, patients survived for an average of 10 to 32 months after treatment. 

7 studies evaluated treatment with imiquimod (Aldara) in 46 patients. This is a cream that is rubbed directly on the skin. Overall, 95% of patients responded to this treatment.

12 studies evaluated two different types of immunotherapy called PV-10 and IL-2. These drugs are injected directly into tumors. 4 studies evaluated PV-10 in 170 patients. Overall, 59% of patients responded to this treatment. 8 studies evaluated IL-2 in 182 patients. Overall, 83% of patients responded to this treatment.

This study reviewed treatment options for patients with ITM. This study found that treatments targeted to a specific area of the body may improve survival for these patients.

This study analyzed the results of several different studies. All of the studies analyzed here had different patient populations. More studies are needed to confirm these results.