Merkel cell carcinoma: Epidemiology, prognosis, therapy and unmet medical needs

Abstract Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer that is associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus infection in most cases. Incidence rates of MCC have increased in past decades. Risk factors for MCC include ultraviolet light exposure, immunosuppression and advanced age. MCC is an aggressiv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of cancer (1990) 2017-01, Vol.71, p.53-69
Main Authors: Schadendorf, Dirk, Lebbé, Céleste, zur Hausen, Axel, Avril, Marie-Françoise, Hariharan, Subramanian, Bharmal, Murtuza, Becker, Jürgen C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell - epidemiology
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell - etiology
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell - therapy
Combined Modality Therapy
Epidemiology
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Merkel cell carcinoma
Merkel cell polyomavirus
Polyomavirus Infections - complications
Prognosis
Risk Factors
Sex Factors
Skin cancer
Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology
Skin Neoplasms - etiology
Skin Neoplasms - therapy
Therapy
Tumor Virus Infections - complications
Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects
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Summary:Abstract Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer that is associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus infection in most cases. Incidence rates of MCC have increased in past decades. Risk factors for MCC include ultraviolet light exposure, immunosuppression and advanced age. MCC is an aggressive malignancy with frequent recurrences and a high mortality rate, although patient outcomes are generally more favourable if the patient is referred for treatment at an early stage. Although advances have been made recently in the MCC field, large gaps remain with regard to definitive biomarkers and prognostic indicators. Although MCC is chemosensitive, responses in advanced stages are mostly of short duration, and the associated clinical benefit on overall survival is unclear. Recent nonrandomised phase 2 clinical trials with anti–PD-L1/PD-1 antibodies have demonstrated safety and efficacy; however, there are still no approved treatments for patients with metastatic MCC. Patients with advanced disease are encouraged to participate in clinical trials for treatment, indicating the largely unmet need for durable, safe treatment within this population.
ISSN:0959-8049
1879-0852
DOI:10.1016/j.ejca.2016.10.022