Combined chemo-immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma. A monoinstitutional experience

7569 Background: The combination of Interferon α-2b (INF) and intravenous Interleukin-2 (IL-2) with chemotherapy (CT) has produced encouraging results in metastatic melanoma, as shown in phase II and III trials, but toxicity remains of concern. We report on our experience with a chemo-immunotherapy regimen with subcutaneous administration of IL-2. Patients and methods: 28 patients (pts) with advanced melanoma, median age 47.5 years (range 29–70) and male/female ratio 19/9, received CT plus immunotherapy with subcutaneous IL-2 and INF. Doses were as follows: Cisplatinum 20 mg/m2 iv days 1–4, Vinblastine 1.6 mg/m2 iv days 1–4, Dacarbazine 800 mg/m2 iv day 1, Interferon α-2b 5M IU/m2 sc days 1–5, IL-2 9M IU sc days 1–5 and 8–12. Treatment was repeated every three weeks up to a maximum of six cycles. Response was assessed every two cycles and toxicity every cycle, according to WHO and NCI criteria respectively. Results: The overall response rate was 33% with 3 (11%) complete responses, lasting for 17, 14 and ...