In patients with multiple metastatic nodules of melanoma, the investigators evaluated whether autologous cytokines injected into cutaneous metastases would induce a systemic immune response as evidenced by the accumulation of dense lymphocytic infiltrates in metastases that had never been injected. Such immune responses were observed, and often the never-injected metastasis regressed completely. 20% of patients remained free of disease for greater than 5 years.

Lymphocytic infiltrates were seen in never-injected nodules only after several weeks of injections elsewhere. No adverse events were seen. The tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were able to kill autologous melanoma ex vivo. Some patients who experienced complete regressions of all metastases lived without disease for over 10 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Multiple cutaneous or subcutaneous metastases of melanoma

Exclusion Criteria:

• Visceral metastases on admission.
• No current chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
• Note study performed between 1978 and 2002 before current therapies were available.