Características clínico-epidemiológicas del carcinoma de células de Merkel en una serie de 38 pacientes

The Evaluation and Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Brain Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor associated with high mortality if metastases are identified. Currently, there is no standardized nor curative treatment for neurometastatic MCC. In this study, we have reviewed the more recent cases and the use of immunotherapy in a population. In this case report and review, we present a case of MCC with brain metastasis currently undergoing treatment with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) resulting in an initial complete response with a progression-free survival time of five months. We also review the past reported literature and the 11 newly presented cases on their clinical presentation of neurometastatic MCC, immunohistochemical markers, and treatment outcomes. In summary, immunotherapy initially showed a promising response with the complete elimination of MCC brain metastasis. The early aggressive treatment of pembrolizumab with stereotactic radiosurgery should be considered as this treatment plan has shown improved therapeutic effects compared to the standard chemoradiation therapy. Further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy and response of immunotherapy use for neurometastatic MCC.

Frequency and prognosis of metastasis to liver, lung, bone and brain from Merkel cell carcinoma

Aim: To describe the factors affecting distant metastasis of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and the prognosis of metastatic MCC. Materials & methods: The MCC patient information was downloaded from the SEER database. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to screen for significant factors. Results: A total of 3449 patients were enrolled. Surgery and chemotherapy were significantly correlated with the occurrence of distant metastasis. In the cause-specific survival rate of MCC, regional lymph node removal, sentinel lymph node biopsy, radiation and chemotherapy can significantly reduce the prognostic risk of patients with distant metastases. Conclusion: Our study screened out the factors affecting the distant metastasis and prognosis of MCC and more prospective studies are needed to verify our findings.