Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer. It is the first human cancer known to be associated with a polyomavirus. The vast majority of publications are case reports. Our goal is to discuss practical suggestions for the treatment, based on our clinical experience and a review of the literature. Surgery is the initial treatment of choice. Radiotherapy is used as primary or adjuvant treatment. The chemotherapeutic approach follows that of neuroendocrine neoplasms, using cisplatin and etoposide. Researchers are looking into other active drugs which have been used for melanoma including temozolomide, and PD-1 inhibitors. Scientists are studying mutations in MCC to identify potential targets for more effective systemic treatments. We hope this review will be useful for clinicians to apply current principles and provide food for thought to improve treatment outcomes.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, polyomavirus, radiotherapy, surgery.
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Title:Merkel Cell Carcinoma – Current State and the Future
Volume: 12 Issue: 2
Author(s): Patricia Tai, Khanh Vu, Vamsee Torri, Derek Suderman and Arbind Dubey
Affiliation:
Keywords: Chemotherapy, polyomavirus, radiotherapy, surgery.
Abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer. It is the first human cancer known to be associated with a polyomavirus. The vast majority of publications are case reports. Our goal is to discuss practical suggestions for the treatment, based on our clinical experience and a review of the literature. Surgery is the initial treatment of choice. Radiotherapy is used as primary or adjuvant treatment. The chemotherapeutic approach follows that of neuroendocrine neoplasms, using cisplatin and etoposide. Researchers are looking into other active drugs which have been used for melanoma including temozolomide, and PD-1 inhibitors. Scientists are studying mutations in MCC to identify potential targets for more effective systemic treatments. We hope this review will be useful for clinicians to apply current principles and provide food for thought to improve treatment outcomes.
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Tai Patricia, Vu Khanh, Torri Vamsee, Suderman Derek and Dubey Arbind, Merkel Cell Carcinoma – Current State and the Future, Current Cancer Therapy Reviews 2016; 12 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573394712666160921153207
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573394712666160921153207 |
Print ISSN 1573-3947 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6301 |
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