Trial of Ipilimumab After Isolated Limb Perfusion, in Patients With Metastases Melanoma

A Randomized, Open Label, Multicenter, Comparative Phase II Trial of Ipilimumab After Isolated Limb Perfusion (ILP), in Patients With In-transit Metastases Melanoma Stage IIIB and IIIC

Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) results in good response rates for locally advanced melanoma (stage IIIB and IIIC, AJCC 2009). Outcome is influenced by stage of disease, reflecting the aggressiveness of the melanoma. Our objective is to demonstrate at least a doubling of the progression free survival for the patients having an adjuvant treatment by Ipilimumab in this patient population with unfavourable characteristics. PFS ranges from 10-12 months. So at least a doubling of this period would be a clinically highly significant result.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with melanoma IT-metastases localized on limb not accessible to a surgical treatment associated or not with regional node metastases (stage IIIB or IIIC: TxN2c or N3) ;

2. Age above 18 years, no upper limit ;

3. Evaluable disease according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria ;

4. ECOG performance status 0-1 ;

5. Previous specific treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy) for the melanoma must be stopped before the inclusion with a wash out period of 3 weeks at least ;

6. Adequate hematologic, renal and liver function as defined by laboratory values below performed within 4-6 weeks from enrolment :

   • White blood count (WBC) greater than or equal to 2.5x109/L
   • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) greater than or equal to 1x109/L
   • Platelet count greater than or equal to 75x109/L
   • Hemoglobin greater than or equal to 9 g/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
   • Serum creatinine less or equal to 2.5 times upper limit of laboratory normal (ULN)
   • ASAT and ALAT < 2 ULN
   • Calcaemia < 12 mg/dl (2.99 mmol/l)

7. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test performed within seven days prior to the start of study drug. Both men and women enrolled in this trial must use adequate contraception during the treatment phase of the study and for 1 months afterwards ;

8. Information of the patient and signature of the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Surgical resectable tumor and metastatic patients (stage IV) ;
2. Significant cardiovascular disease, e.g congestive heart failure (NYHA Class II, III or IV), severe angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias not controlled, myocardial infarction within a 3 months period prior to inclusion, venous thrombosis, occlusive peripheral arterial disease, recent pulmonary embolism ;
3. Severe lymphoedema of the limb ;
4. Patients with contraindications to limb hyperthermia ;
5. Contraindication for the use of vasopressin, anticoagulants, radioactive tracer monitoring ;
6. Prior hypersensibility to melphalan and/or tasonermin ;
7. Prior treatment by Ipilimumab or anti PD1 and PDL1 therapies ;
8. Severe pulmonary dysfunction ;
9. Recent history or active peptic ulcer, severe ascites ;
10. Simultaneous treatment with cardiotoxic substances (e.g anthracyclines) ;
11. Uncontrolled deep sepsis ;
12. Pregnancy or breast-feeding ;
13. Person deprived of his rights or under guardianship ;
14. Impossibility to submit to the medical follow-up of the trial for geographical, social or psychic reasons ;
15. History of autoimmune disorders or conditions of immunosuppression that require current ongoing treatment with systemic corticosteroids or patients with history of significant and symptomatic autoimmune disease ;
16. Chronic steroids > 10 mg/day or chronic immunosuppressive treatment ;
17. Uncontrolled infectious disease including positive testing for HIV, HBV, HCV ;
18. No second malignancies in the past 5 years with the exception of surgically cured carcinoma in-situ of the cervix and basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
19. Patients in whom the blood supply to the extremity distal to the tumour is suspected to be highly dependent on tumour associated blood vessels. This should be clarified by a Doppler ultrasound.