BLEOMYCIN-MEDIATED ELECTROCHEMOTHERAPY OF METASTATIC MELANOMA

Background: Electroporation is a new technique that enhances the antit umor effects of chemotherapy by exposing cancerous tissues to pulses o f electricity. When used in combination with conventional chemotherapy , the procedure is termed electrochemotherapy (ECT). The electric puls es increase cell membrane permeability and thus intracellular access. Electrochemotherapy has been shown to have potent antitumor activity i n a number of in vitro studies, several animal models, and clinical tr ials with squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas. Objectiv e: To report the effects of ECT in 5 patients with metastatic malignan t melanoma. Results: Twenty-three lesions of metastatic melanoma were treated with intralesional bleomycin sulfate followed by pulses of ele ctricity. Pulses were delivered via caliper or needle electrodes place d around the tumor. Complete responses were observed in 18 tumors (78% ) and partial responses were seen in 4 (17%). No responses were seen i n lesions treated with either pulses or bleomycin alone. Vital signs w ere closely monitored during the procedure, and minimal side effects w ere noted. Conclusions: This is the first study that documents the ant itumor effects of ECT in metastatic melanoma. Although not a cure, it may be an effective alternative to palliative surgery or irradiation i n these patients.