Prospective cohort study by InspECT on safety and efficacy of electrochemotherapy for cutaneous tumors and metastases depending on ulceration
Summary Background Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an effective local treatment for cutaneous tumors. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ECT in ulcerated vs. non‐ulcerated tumors and investigate the effect on tumor‐associated symptoms. Methods Twenty cancer centers in the Interna...
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Published in | Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 470 - 481 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English German |
Published |
Germany
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
01.04.2022
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Summary
Background
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an effective local treatment for cutaneous tumors. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ECT in ulcerated vs. non‐ulcerated tumors and investigate the effect on tumor‐associated symptoms.
Methods
Twenty cancer centers in the International Network for Sharing Practices on Electrochemotherapy (InspECT) prospectively collected data. ECT was performed following ESOPE protocol. Response was evaluated by lesion size development. Pain, symptoms, performance status (ECOG‐Index) and health status (EQ‐5D questionnaire) were evaluated.
Results
716 patients with ulcerated (n = 302) and non‐ulcerated (n = 414) cutaneous tumors and metastases were included (minimum follow‐up of 45 days). Non‐ulcerated lesions responded to ECT better than ulcerated lesions (complete response 65 % vs. 51 %, p = 0.0061). Only 38 % (115/302) with ulcerated lesions before ECT presented with ulcerated lesions at final follow‐up. Patients with ulcerated lesions reported higher pain and more severe symptoms compared to non‐ulcerated lesions, which significantly and continuously improved following ECT. In non‐ulcerated lesions however, pain spiked during the treatment. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions
ECT is a safe and effective local treatment for cutaneous tumors. While ECT improves symptoms especially in patients with ulcerated lesions, data suggest the implementation of a perioperative pain management in non‐ulcerated lesions during ECT. |
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Bibliography: | These two authors contributed equally to this article. ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 1610-0379 1610-0387 |
DOI: | 10.1111/ddg.14699 |