Treatment of primary Merkel cell carcinoma: Radiotherapy can be an effective, less morbid alternative to surgery

The standard treatment approach for localised Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is wide surgical excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. However extensive surgery for locally advanced MCC may cause morbidity and disfigurement, compromise function and delay adjuvant therapy. Since MCC is a highly radio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of surgical oncology 2021-02, Vol.47 (2), p.483-485
Main Authors: Hong, Angela M., Stretch, Jonathan R., Thompson, John F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell - diagnosis
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell - therapy
Humans
Merkel cell carcinoma
Neoplasm Staging
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis
Skin Neoplasms - therapy
Surgery
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Summary:The standard treatment approach for localised Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is wide surgical excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. However extensive surgery for locally advanced MCC may cause morbidity and disfigurement, compromise function and delay adjuvant therapy. Since MCC is a highly radiosensitive tumour, an alternative treatment option for advanced MCCs, especially those in anatomically challenging locations, is radiotherapy. Complete and durable control is achieved in up to 90% of cases if the definitive treatment of primary MCC is with radiotherapy. It is generally less morbid than surgery and can produce excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes.
ISSN:0748-7983
1532-2157
DOI:10.1016/j.ejso.2020.05.013