[Complete remission of cutaneous satellite and in-transit metastases. After intralesional therapy with interleukin-2 in 2 patients with malignant melanoma]

Hautarzt. 2004 Feb;55(2):171-5. doi: 10.1007/s00105-003-0620-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Multiple cutaneous satellite and in-transit metastases of melanoma without involvement of lymph nodes or other organs are a challenge especially when they occur in elderly inoperable patients with multiple internal diseases. In this particular situation, intralesional application of interleukin-2 may represent an effective alternative to systemic chemo- or immunotherapy as it can be performed on an out-patient basis and has few side effects. We treated two elderly female patients with multiple cutaneous metastases of malignant melanoma with intra- and perilesional application of interleukin-2 (3 x 6-12 Mio IE) over 12 weeks and achieved a complete remission of these metastases. In follow-up biopsies, no viable tumor cells were found. Despite a slight burning at the injection side and a transient local inflammatory reaction, the therapy was well tolerated in both cases after premedication with paracetamol 500 mg orally and pretreatment of the injection site with a cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine. No systemic side effects were observed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Interleukin-2 / administration & dosage*
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Remission Induction
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interleukin-2