Comparative study of clinical efficacy and safety of isolated limb perfusion with hyperthermia in patients with soft tissue sarcomas

Background. To estimate the effectiveness of locally advanced soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities using an isolated perfusion chemotherapy in conditions of hyperthermia.
Methods. We performed the treatment results analysis of 57 patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas. Patients were divided into 2 groups: first – 21 patients who received treatment with an isolated limb regional perfusion (ILP), melphalan (10 mg/l for lower limbs, and 13 mg/L for upper limb); second (control group) – 36 patients were treated with conventional methods of mutilating surgery. During the ILP original methodology for monitoring of chemotherapy income levels in the systemic circulation was used.
Results. Patients undergoing ILP with locally advanced soft tissue sarcomas of the limbs can achieve overall 2year survival rate of 90,5% comparing to 75% in the control group. Local toxicity in most cases did not exceed grade I and II under Wieberdink scale. Systemic grade I–II by CTC scale toxicity was observed in only few cases.
Conclusion. ILP is a promising method for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, contributing to the reduction of the tumor and prevent recurrence of the disease, thus avoiding performing the amputation surgery.