A Phase I Trial of Normothermic Isolated Limb Infusion (ILI) With Melphalan Plus Buthionine Sulfoximine (BSO) in Patients With Locally Advanced Malignant Melanoma

RATIONALE: Buthionine sulfoximine may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as melphalan, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Sometimes when chemotherapy is given, it does not stop the growth of tumor cells. The tumor is said to be resistant to chemotherapy. Giving buthionine sulfoximine together with chemotherapy may reduce drug resistance and allow the tumor cells to be killed. PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of melphalan when given as an isolated limb infusion together with buthionine sulfoximine in treating patients with persistent or recurrent stage III malignant melanoma.