2. Academic Validation
  3. Merkel cell carcinoma: Do you know your guidelines?

Merkel cell carcinoma: Do you know your guidelines?

  • Head Neck. 2016 May;38(5):647-52. doi: 10.1002/hed.24359.
Brett A Miles 1,  David Goldenberg 2,  Education Committee of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS)
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York.
  • 2 Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
PMID: 26716756 DOI: 10.1002/hed.24359
Abstract

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that exhibits clinically aggressive features and is associated with a poor prognosis. The incidence of MCC seems to be increasing for reasons unknown, and is estimated to be 0.32/100,000 in the United States.

Methods: This article will review the current literature and National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines in the treatment of MCC.

Results: Resection of MCC with negative margins remains the mainstay of therapy. Positive nodal disease should be treated with neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy. High-risk patients should undergo adjuvant radiotherapy, which improves oncologic outcomes. The role of chemotherapy is less clear and is currently reserved for advanced-stage MCC and palliative therapy.

Conclusion: The pathogenesis of MCC has recently been impacted with the discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Research to establish targeted and immunologic therapeutic options are ongoing.

Keywords

MCPyV-negative; MCPyV-positive; Merkel cell carcinoma; Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV); cutaneous malignancies.

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