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Background: Isolated limb infusion (ILI) offers a minimally invasive alternative to isolated limb perfusion (ILP) for the treatment of locally advanced extremity melanoma. In Australia, ILI has essentially completely replaced ILP since patients tolerate ILI better while results of both treatments are comparable. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ILI in elderly patients in an Australian multicenter setting.

Materials and methods: The results of 316 first ILI procedures, performed between 1992 and 2008 in five Australian institutions, were collectively analyzed. All institutions used the same protocol: melphalan was circulated in the isolated limb for 20–30 min (±actinomycin D). Responses were determined using the World Health Organization criteria and limb toxicity was assessed using the Wieberdink scale.

Results: One hundred forty-eight patients (47%) were≥ 75 years (range: 75–100). The …