The efficacy of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) for 'in-transit' metastases from malignant melanoma and irresectable soft tissue sarcoma has been improved considerably by the addition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α. A rat sarcoma tumour model was, therefore, developed to evaluate the effects of TNF-α, melphalan and the combination of these drugs in the treatment of sarcoma. In BN rats bearing the non-immunogenic BN 175 sarcoma ILPs were performed with perfusate only, TNF-α, melphalan alone, or in combination when tumours had grown to approximately 15 cm in diameter. All rats treated with sham perfusion or perfusion with 50 μg TNF-α showed progressive disease. After perfusion with 40 μg melphalan no change in tumour diameter was observed in any rats at 4 days. After a combined perfusion with 40 μg melphalan and 50 μg TNF-α complete remission was noted in 12 of 16 rats. This synergistic effect in vivo between relatively ineffective doses of TNF-α and melphalan was not observed in vitro.

doi.org/10.1002/bjs.1800830438, hdl.handle.net/1765/54922
British Journal of Surgery
Department of Surgery

Manusama, E., Nooijen, P. T. G. A., Stavast, J., Durante, N. M. C., Marquet, R., & Eggermont, A. (1996). Synergistic antitumour effect of recombinant human tumour necrosis factor α with melphalan in isolated limb perfusion in the rat. British Journal of Surgery, 83(4), 551–555. doi:10.1002/bjs.1800830438