Treatment of liver metastases from uveal melanoma by combined surgery-chemotherapy

Aims. To investigate sporadic results demonstrating prolonged survival after surgical resection and/or intraarterial chemotherapy (IACH) for liver metastases from uveal melanoma. Methods. From December 1992 to March 1997 every patient with liver metastases from uveal melanoma was enrolled in a prospective study including: (1) aggressive surgical approach removing as much liver disease as possible; (2) implantation of an intraarterial catheter; (3) intraarterial chemotherapy for 6 months. 75 patients were enrolled: 38 men, 37 women, mean age 51 years (range: 18-72), mean time from initial diagnosis of uveal melanoma to liver metastases 37 months (ranged: 1-168). Results. Disseminated disease in both lobes was present in all but one patient. Macroscopically curative surgery was possible in 27.5%. Significant tumour reduction was performed in 49.3% and a simple biopsy was possible in 23.2%. Eight patients did not receive chemotherapy and died soon after. IACH included Fotemustine and/or DTIC-Platinum for 4-9 cycles. Overall median survival was 9 months; very similar to non-operated historical controls. In the 61 patients receiving complete treatment surgery plus chemotherapy, median survival improved to 10 months. When curative resection was possible, survival increased to 22 months (P<0.001). Conclusions. Aggressive surgical resection, when possible, appears to be the best method of improving survival of liver metastases from uveal melanoma. New drug combinations are also required to improve survival.