Management of metastatic malignant melanoma of the bladder

Urology. 2003 Aug;62(2):351. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(03)00354-6.

Abstract

Recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) has demonstrated antitumor activity and durable clinical responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. Careful screening and selection of appropriate patients has improved the safety profile of IL-2 administration. Gross hematuria would ordinarily preclude the safe delivery of IL-2. We report a case of metastatic melanoma to the bladder presenting with hematuria. A complete resection was performed and subsequently allowed the administration of high-dose, bolus IL-2. The combination of resection and IL-2 therapy resulted in a partial response maintained for more than 18 months. Symptomatic bladder melanoma should be aggressively treated to allow for systemic immunotherapy, which can provide durable responses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Contraindications
  • Hematuria / surgery
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interleukin-2