Intra-arterial infusion therapy with 5-(3,3-dimeth yl-1-triazeno) imidazole-4-carboxamide (NSC 45388) for malignant melanoma

Abstract

Seventeen patients with advanced regional malignant melanoma were treated with intra-arterial 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno) imidazole-4-carboxamide (DTIC) in an attempt to improve the response rate to this drug. There were 6 partial objective (greater than 50% reduction) responders and one complete remission for an overall response rate of 41%. The local control of melanoma by this modality of treatment was impressive, and toxicity was less than that which is usually seen with systemic chemotherapy with DTIC. Our studies suggest intra-arterial therapy is preferrable to systemic therapy for the isolated inoperable melanoma lesion.