ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether electrochemotherapy is a clinically and cost-effective treatment option against skin tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an analysis of the current literature based on database searches in PubMed/MEDLINE and we included articles till July 2012. Terms used for the search were 'electrochemotherapy', 'skin cancer', 'recurrence', and 'cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors'. Only papers published in English were included. In addition, we performed an analysis of the cost effectiveness of the method. RESULTS: The combination of physics and chemistry is the foundation for electrochemotherapy and its efficacy, independent of the tumor histology. Clinical data showed that ECT is well tolerated and can be used in difficult cases without other available treatment options. The analysis also showed that the treatment is feasible and cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Electrochemotherapy is a clinically efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment and clinicians should not hesitate to use it as an alternative therapeutic modality or as palliative treatment.
