Isolated Limb Hyperthermic Perfusion

From Beacon

Isolated Limb Hyperthermic Perfusion (ILHP) is a targeted cancer treatment used to deliver high doses of chemotherapy directly to an arm or leg affected by melanoma or sarcoma. During this procedure, the blood flow to and from the limb is temporarily isolated from the rest of the body using a tourniquet. Heated chemotherapy drugs are then circulated through the limb using a special pump, allowing for higher concentrations of the medication to reach the tumour while minimizing systemic side effects. The heat enhances the effectiveness of the chemotherapy and helps destroy cancer cells. ILHP is particularly beneficial for patients with locally advanced cancers that have not responded to standard treatments. This technique aims to control or reduce the tumour size, improve limb function, and potentially avoid amputation, offering a hopeful option for those facing challenging cancer diagnoses.