Prognostic factors and immunobiologic insights into Merkel cell carcinoma

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine cancer that has a propensity for local recurrence and nodal and distant metastasis. For patients with MCC, reported 5-year overall survival (OS) rates vary widely and range from 40% to 62%, whereas the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate is approximately 65%. 1-5 Because of its rarity, much of the published literature on MCC reports relatively low numbers of patients and various prognostic features. The small patient numbers and inconsistent reporting endpoints have challenged the identification of clinicopathologic prognostic factors, and predictive factors for therapeutic intervention have not emerged. The lack of consensus on prognostic markers is exemplified by the fact that before 2010, 5 different staging systems for MCC were described in the literature.

Usefulness of ulceration and hyperkeratosis as clinical predictors of Merkel cell polyomavirus‐negative and combined Merkel cell carcinoma: A retrospective study

“…Since the initial reports describing the prevalence of MCPyV, several independent research groups have indicated that the prevalence of MCPyV among MCC cases is approximately 75%, based on values ranging from 24% in Australia to 100% in Europe and Korea, with a wide range of viral load values . Recent insights into the pathobiology of MCC and the possible connection between MCC and MCPyV could potentially influence the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms …”

EUS‐FNA of the Merkel cell carcinoma metastasis to the pancreas: Cytomorphology and immunocytochemistry on direct cytological smears

“…At the moment, there is no specific therapy for metastatic MCC. Recent insights into the pathobiology of MCC and the possible connection between MCC and MC polyomavirus could potentially influence the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms . Also, new possible targets for the therapy are emerging .…”