Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate results in the palliative treatment of patients with liver metastases of uveal malignant melanoma using transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Superselective TACE was repeatedly performed in 12 patients with liver metastases of uveal malignant melanoma. Six patients presented with solitary liver metastases (6-12 cm in size) and six patients with oligonodular metastases (n < or = 6). The embolization suspension consisted of a maximum of 10 mg/m(2) Mitomycin C, 10 ml Lipiodol, and an injection of 200-450 mg resorbable microspheres for vascular occlusion. In the follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 3-month intervals. RESULTS: The TACE procedure was well tolerated in all patients without any relevant side effects. Three patients responded to TACE with a size reduction of more than 50% (partial response), five patients with stable disease, and four patients with progressive disease with an increase in volume of more than 25%. Mean survival following primary tumor treatment was 32.9 months, and after first embolization 19.5 months. Lower survival rates were recorded for the progressive group (16.5 months). CONCLUSION: Repeated TACE offers a palliative treatment option in patients with oligonodular liver metastases of uveal malignant melanoma.