Electrochemotherapy is an effective local treatment for tumors that combines
administration of a chemotherapeutic drug with the subsequent application of
electric pulses to the tumor. In addition, it was also found to have a
vascular-disrupting effect. We report a case of limb-sparing treatment of
bleeding melanoma recurrence by electrochemotherapy.
Methods
After intravenous application of bleomycin (15,000 IU/m2), 15 runs
of electric pulses were applied by hexagonal needle electrodes (1.7 cm in
diameter) in the center of the bleeding melanoma recurrence, and an
additional 10 runs of electric pulses were delivered via plate electrodes (8
mm) on the rim of the tumor.
Results
Immediately after the administration of electric pulses, the bleeding stopped
and did not recur. Crust formation was observed and the lesion decreased in
size in a matter of weeks.
Conclusions
We conclude that electrochemotherapy should be considered as a treatment
option when dealing with bleeding melanoma recurrences as well as a
limb-preserving treatment.
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