Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC): Treatment and Outcomes Over the Past Ten Years at a High-Volume Academic Center

Since the first description of the Merkel cell carcinoma by Cyril Toker in 1972, the number of studies has significantly increased over the last 4 decades. In this review, we will illustrate the historical background of the Merkel cell carcinoma beginning with the 19th century, the first description of the Merkel cell to the finding of the CK20 as a highly specific diagnostic marker and finally to the recently detected Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Moreover, we will highlight the beginning of adjuvant therapeutic regimens with radiotherapy and chemotherapy and discuss the diagnostic work-up including imaging and histology of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. Another very rapidly growing and interesting field of research is the development of patients' specific and tailored targeted therapy, in particular in patients with distant metastatic disease.

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Recent advances in Merkel cell carcinoma

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.20747.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 1995 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Caitlin G. Robinson ◽

Daniel Tan ◽

Siegrid S. Yu

Keyword(s):

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Merkel Cell Carcinoma ◽

Disease Burden ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Merkel Cell ◽

Conventional Chemotherapy ◽

The Past ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

Local Radiation

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that has been historically associated with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. In the past 10 years, research in MCC has progressed significantly, demonstrating improved outcomes when treating with immunotherapy, particularly PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, when compared with conventional chemotherapy. There is also increasing evidence of the abscopal effect, a phenomenon describing the regression of untreated, distant MCC tumors following local radiation therapy. Additionally, antibodies to Merkel cell polyomavirus oncoproteins have been found to correlate with disease burden in a subset of patients, providing a useful tool for surveillance after treatment. Guidelines for the management of MCC will likely continue to change as research on surveillance and treatment of MCC continues.

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Management of localized Merkel cell carcinoma at high-volume facilities is associated with improved survival

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ◽

10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.027 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 81 (6) ◽

pp. 1414-1415

Author(s):

Marcus L. Elias ◽

W. Clark Lambert ◽

Robert A. Schwartz

Keyword(s):

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Merkel Cell Carcinoma ◽

High Volume ◽

Merkel Cell

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ Overlying Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1203475416649161 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 20 (6) ◽

pp. 563-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Maria A. McGowan ◽

Matthew F. Helm ◽

Michelle B. Tarbox

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Merkel Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Clinical Presentation ◽

Merkel Cell ◽

The Past ◽

Exponential Increase ◽

Worse Prognosis

Background:Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neoplasm that has exhibited an exponential increase in incidence in the past 3 decades. Combined MCC and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC/MCC) is an uncommon variant of MCC that exhibits worse prognosis than pure MCC.Objective:To describe the clinical presentation, dermoscopy, and histology of an unusual subtype of combined SCC/MCC.Methods and Results:A 73-year-old white woman presented with an ulcerated and violaceous 10-mm plaque on her right jawline that had been present for 2 to 3 months. On dermoscopy, the lesion was predominantly milky pink to red with peripheral crusting and large-caliber polymorphous vessels. Histology revealed SCC in situ above and adjacent to MCC. The tumor was excised with clear margins, and sentinel lymph node scintography was negative for nodal involvement.

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