Intralesional (Local) Chemotherapy

Explanation of Procedure

Intralesional chemotherapy is a clinical trial; results are yet to be published. Tumors most commonly treated are: Osteosarcoma, oral melanoma and other oral tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, vaccine sarcomas, mast cell tumor, and squamous cell tumors. This procedure is used palliatively to control pain, to prevent or delay recurrence of tumor, or to decrease the size of a tumor that has not been surgically removed. Intralesional chemotherapy is also referred to as intratumoral or local chemotherapy. Intralesional chemotherapy is the administration of cancer fighting drugs directly into the tumor, tumor site or adjacent tissues. The goal is to improve local tumor control by achieving high local chemotherapeutic drug concentrations while maintaining low plasma concentrations.

Treatment Protocol

Intralesional chemotherapy treatment protocols are subject to change based on the patient’s response to treatment. Intralesional chemotherapy may be used as a sole agent or in combination with systemic chemotherapy (oral or injectable) for all or part of the therapy.

Benefits

The intralesional treatment is used to keep the patient more comfortable. Support medications in addition to chemotherapy can also be provided to ease discomfort and minimize side effects.

Risks and Discomforts

Minimal local toxicity has been reported and the treatment has been documented to be well tolerated. There have been reports of tissue reactions, infections, abscesses and granuloma formation. There are also reports of swelling, necrosis, ulceration, dehiscence and wound formation; all of which have resolved with treatment. Side effects can occur immediately or days after treatment. With supportive care, side effects should resolve within 24 hours. If side effects are not addressed, they can be fatal.

Intralesional chemotherapy is considered experimental. Some of the drugs used in this clinical trial may not be used in accordance with the approved labeling. This extra-label drug use is in accordance with the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA)

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