Chemoembolization of a solitary liver metastasis from malignant melanoma

Chemoembolization is a recent therapeutic approach, in which chemotherapeutic and embolizing substances are administered selectively into tumour-feeding arteries. Although it is a well-investigated therapeutic procedure in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, few reports have been published regarding its use in the treatment of metastases from malignant melanoma. We present two cases of malignant melanoma, each with a solitary liver metastasis, where arterial chemoembolization with cisplatin and Lipiodol(R) was performed. Both patients responded with regression of the tumour, and neither presented serious complications. Arterial chemoembolization might be an alternative for palliation of melanoma liver metastases. Emphasis is laid upon the therapeutic options in the management of secondary liver tumours from malignant melanoma.