Merkel cell carcinoma: Do you know your guidelines?

Merkel cell carcinoma: Do you know your guidelines?

Head Neck. 2015 Dec 30;

Authors: Miles BA, Goldenberg D, Education Committee of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS)

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. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015.

PMID: 26716756 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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