[Immunochemotherapy of metastatic uveal melanoma with interferon alfa-2b, interleukin-2 and fotemustine. Case reports and review of the literature].

P Terheyden, E Kämpgen, T M Rünger, E B Bröcker, J C Becker

Index: Hautarzt 49(10) , 770-3, (1998)

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Abstract

In spite of their tumor's origin in the uveal tract, many patients suffering from advanced uveal melanoma are admitted to dermatological oncology units. Most patients with metastases from uveal melanoma receive treatments that were established for stage IV cutaneous melanoma. However, both the biology as well as the metastastic behaviour of this tumor is different from cutaneous melanoma. Lymphatic metastases do not occur, and hematogeneous metastases usually occur later and predominantly involve the liver. The prognosis is very bad ranging from 2 to 5 months. We describe three patients with advanced uveal melanoma who received immunochemotherapy containing interferon-alpha 2b, interleukin-2, and fotemustine. This therapy induced a partial response of more than 49 months duration in one patient, whereas for the remaining patients the disease progression could be stabilized for eight and 16 months, respectively. This therapeutic success is reflected by a prolonged survival of 14,43+, and 59+ months.