Isolated limb perfusion using tumour necrosis factor α and melphalan in patients with advanced aggressive fibromatosis.

Summary

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α and melphalan-based isolated limb perfusion (TM-ILP) is a limb-saving treatment modality for soft tissue tumours. This study reports the results of TM-ILP treatment in patients with aggressive fibromatosis. Institutional databases of three European centres were searched. All patients who received TM-ILP treatment for aggressive fibromatosis between 1990 and 2012 were included. Twenty-five patients received 28 TM-ILP treatments. The median age of patients was 28 (i.q.r. 19-34) years and median hospital stay was 8 (7-12) days. Median follow-up was 84 (34-114) months. A complete response was achieved after two TM-ILP treatments, and a partial response after 17 treatments in 16 patients. Functional outcome was good; 16 patients had no physical limitations, and six patients had some limitations but did not need medical aids. Amputation was prevented in all but three patients.