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Alhaj SS, Qaderi FA, Ibrahim T, Almohammad M. Merkel Cell Carcinoma on the Face: Case Report. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2024; 7:e56658. [PMID: 38512218 PMCID: PMC11036181 DOI: 10.2196/56658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary neuroendocrine skin tumor that presents as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule on the face, neck, or head. Long-term ultraviolet radiation exposure and Merkel cell polyomavirus are associated with MCC pathogenesis. We present a case of MCC on the right cheek in a male patient aged 87 years. Our primary goal in presenting the case is to bring MCC, which is a diagnostic challenge, to the notice of dermatologists and oncologists, as early detection and prompt treatment are important. The patient had a significant past medical history, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic hyponatremia, acute pancreatitis, essential thrombocytosis on hydroxyurea, and ischemic heart disease. The patient presented with a mildly swollen right upper lip showing a poorly defined, relatively homogeneous subcutaneous lesion with a history of persistence for 1.5 months. The clinical examination revealed a 5 × 3-cm nodular lesion on the right side of the cheek with swelling of the right upper lip. Immunohistochemistry markers and histopathological features confirmed the diagnosis of MCC. The patient was referred to the oncology department for further management. MCC of the skin is an aggressive lesion with a high risk of metastasis and recurrence, which is more common in immunocompromised people. Prompt management and treatment of MCC is essential because if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and can also metastasize to lymph nodes and other organs. The patient is 87 years old and has a significant past medical history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease stage 3, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic hyponatremia, acute pancreatitis, essential thrombocytosis on hydroxyurea, and ischemic heart disease. Currently, the patient presented with a mildly swollen right upper lip showing a poorly defined, relatively homogenous subcutaneous lesion with a history of persistence for 1.5 months. The clinical examination revealed a 5x3 cm nodular lesion on the right side of the cheek with swelling of the right upper lip. Immunohistochemistry markers results and histopathological features confirmed the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. The patient was referred to the oncology department for further management. Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin is an aggressive lesion with a high risk of metastasis and recurrence, which is more common in immunocompromised people. Prompt management and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma is essential because if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and can also metastasize to lymph nodes and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikha Salah Alhaj
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Dermatology, Dubai Academic Healthcare Corporation, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Almohammad
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Siqueira SOM, Campos-do-Carmo G, Dos Santos ALS, Martins C, de Melo AC. Merkel cell carcinoma: epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of a rare disease. An Bras Dermatol 2023; 98:277-286. [PMID: 36870886 PMCID: PMC10173065 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare skin cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation. The risk factors include sun exposure, advanced age, immunosuppression (such as transplant recipients, patients with lymphoproliferative neoplasms, or patients with HIV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection. Clinically, Merkel cell carcinoma appears as a cutaneous or subcutaneous plaque or nodule, but this tumor diagnosis is rarely made clinically. Therefore, histopathology and immunohistochemistry are usually necessary. Primary tumors without evidence of metastases are treated with complete surgical excision and appropriate surgical margins. The presence of occult metastasis in a lymph node is frequent and a sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy increases local tumor control. Recently, agents that block the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have shown objective and durable tumor regression in patients with advanced solid malignancies. The first anti-PD-L1 antibody used in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma was avelumab, but pembrolizumab and nivolumab have also shown efficacy. This article describes the current state of knowledge of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and staging of Merkel cell carcinoma, as well as new strategies for its systemic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cícero Martins
- Section of Clinical Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreia Cristina de Melo
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Mesa F, Cardona M, Mesa C, Restrepo R, Echeverri JA. Merkel cell carcinoma in the hand. Report of two cases. CASE REPORTS IN PLASTIC SURGERY AND HAND SURGERY 2022; 9:41-45. [PMID: 35083368 PMCID: PMC8786245 DOI: 10.1080/23320885.2021.2025378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Merkel-cell-carcinoma of the hand is rare. The Pathological and Immunohistochemical diagnosis helps us to focus the treatment. Immunotherapy has shown beneficial effects in unresectable/advanced/metastatic stages. The quantification of antibodies against Merkel-cell-polyomavirus (MCPyV) can be a useful for prognosis and follow-up. A wide margin in surgery and the sentinel node are the first option with Radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Mesa
- Titular Professor of Plastic Surgery, CES University, Medellín, Colombia
- Plastic Surgeon IQ interquirofanos, Fundacion Colombiana de Cancerologia, Clinica Vida, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marcela Cardona
- Dermatology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Ferini G, Valenti V, Puliafito I, Illari SI, Marchese VA, Borzì GR. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Capabilities for Treating Lower-Extremity Skin Affected by Several Merkel Cell Carcinoma Nodules: When Technological Advances Effectively Achieve the Palliative Therapeutic Goal while Minimising the Risk of Potential Toxicities. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57121379. [PMID: 34946324 PMCID: PMC8703259 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57121379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The peculiar and rare clinical condition below clearly requires a customized care approach in the context of personalized medicine. An 80-year-old female patient who was subjected in 2018 to surgical removal of a cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) nodule located on the posterior surface of the left thigh and to three subsequent palliative radiotherapy treatments developed a fourth relapse in October 2020, with fifteen nodular metastases located in the left thigh and leg. Since the overall macroscopic disease was still exclusively regionally located and microscopic spread was likely extended also to clinically negative skin of the thigh and leg, we performed an irradiation of the whole left lower extremity. For this purpose the total target (65.5 cm) was divided into three sub-volumes. Dose prescription was 30 Gy in 15 daily fractions. A sequential boost of 10 Gy in 5 daily fractions was planned for macroscopic nodules. Plans were calculated by means of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with the field overlap technique. Thanks to this, we obtained a homogeneous dose distribution in the field junction region; avoidance structures were delineated in the central part of the thigh and leg with the aim of achieving an optimal superficial dose painting and to reduce bone exposure to radiation. This case study demonstrates that VMAT allows for a good dose coverage for circumferential cutaneous targets while sparing deeper organs at risk. A reproducible image-guided set-up is fundamental for an accurate and safe dose delivery. However, local treatments such as radiotherapy for very advanced MCC of the lower extremities might have limited impact due to the high probability of systemic progression, as illustrated in this case. Radiation is confirmed as being effective in preventing MCC nodule progression toward skin wounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Ferini
- REM Radioterapia srl, Via Penninazzo 11, I-95029 Viagrande, CT, Italy; (V.V.); (V.A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-78-94-581
| | - Vito Valenti
- REM Radioterapia srl, Via Penninazzo 11, I-95029 Viagrande, CT, Italy; (V.V.); (V.A.M.)
| | - Ivana Puliafito
- Medical Oncology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, I-95029 Viagrande, CT, Italy;
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Mistry K, Levell NJ, Craig P, Steven NM, Venables ZC. Merkel cell carcinoma. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2021; 1:e55. [PMID: 35663768 PMCID: PMC9060125 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma. The cellular origin of MCC may include Merkel cell precursors. The incidence of MCC has increased significantly however trends may have been confounded by evolving diagnostic criteria. The two key aetiologies of MCC are ultraviolet radiation and Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV). Both have unique mechanisms of carcinogenesis. MCC presents non-specifically as a rapidly growing, red-to-violet nodule on sun-exposed areas. Diagnostic accuracy has improved through immunohistochemical markers such as CK-20. Lymph nodes should be evaluated in MCC through examination and sentinel biopsy. USS, CT, MRI and CT-PET may be useful in staging. Management depends on tumour location, stage and comorbidities. MCPyV status may guide treatment strategy in the future. Treatment for the primary MCC is commonly wide local excision followed by radiotherapy, guided by anatomical constraints. There is uncertainty about surgical margins. Treatments for nodal disease have not been determined through trials. They include nodal dissection or radiotherapy for clinically or radiologically apparent disease, and adjuvant nodal irradiation for negative nodes, microscopic disease or following nodal dissection for definite disease. Patients with loco-regional advanced inoperable disease should be considered for combination therapy including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Systemic therapy for advanced disease includes immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Avelumab can improve survival in metastatic MCC. Immunotherapy may result in longer disease control. Various other immunotherapeutic and molecular agents are undergoing trials. MCC continues to have a high mortality characterized by high recurrence and early metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Mistry
- Department of DermatologyNorfolk and Norwich University HospitalNorwichUK
| | - N. J. Levell
- Department of DermatologyNorfolk and Norwich University HospitalNorwichUK
| | - P. Craig
- Department of Cellular PathologyGloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCheltenhamUK
| | - N. M. Steven
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Z. C. Venables
- Department of DermatologyNorfolk and Norwich University HospitalNorwichUK
- Public Health EnglandVictoria House Capital ParkCambridgeUK
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Turshudzhyan A, Hadfield M, Grant-Kels J. Updates on the diagnosis, current and future therapeutic options in Merkel-cell carcinoma. Melanoma Res 2021; 31:421-425. [PMID: 34284460 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and extremely aggressive nonmelanocytic cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. Historically, it has been associated with limited therapy options and poor prognosis. While its incidence has been rising over the last two decades, recent discoveries and a better understanding of its pathogenesis, viral association and immunologic features have allowed for the emergence of new therapies. Surgical excision with or without radiotherapy remains the first-line therapy for primary lesions without evidence of metastatic disease. The majority of MCC cases are regrettably diagnosed at advanced stages and oftentimes require systemic therapy. There have been several significant advances in the treatment of MCC in the last decade. Among these have been the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1). Despite recent success of immunotherapy, nearly 50% of patients diagnosed with MCC still succumb to the disease. Fortunately, there has been a number of new targeted therapies that hold great promise. Among them are phosphatidylinositide-3kinase (Pl3K) inhibitors, adoptive T-cell immunotherapy, activated NK-92 cells infusions and therapeutic vaccines. Additional emerging therapeutic targets include cellular ubiquitin-specific processing protease 7 (Usp7) that restricts viral replication and IFN genes (STING), activation of which promotes an antitumor inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Turshudzhyan
- Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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Vayntraub A, Tayeb N, Squires B, Mehnert JM, Hassan Ii Q, Sebastian NT, Deryaniyagala R, Quinn TJ. The Association of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy on Overall Survival in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis. Cureus 2021; 13:e18276. [PMID: 34722054 PMCID: PMC8545516 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose/objective(s) Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive cutaneous neoplasm traditionally managed with surgical resection followed by radiotherapy (RT). With the recent approval of checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy is less commonly utilized. We analyzed the impact of RT and chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) in patients with MCC using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), a population-level database. Materials and methods We performed retrospective analyses on SEER 18 Custom Data registries for MCC (ICD-0-3 8247). Data from 1980 to 2016 was queried for analysis, and an initial list of 9,792 patients was populated (ICD: C00, C07.9, C44, C80.9). Selection for cases with chemotherapy and RT status, single primary tumor, primary tumor location and surgery treatment type yielded 5,002 cases for analysis. Baseline characteristics were compared with Chi-square or Mann-Whitney U test. Univariate and multivariable analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling were performed. Propensity-score matched analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to account for indication bias. Results Median follow-up time was 178 months (68 to 217 months). Independent prognostic factors positively correlated with increased OS, for both unadjusted Multivariate analysis and IPTW adjusted MVA were age, male sex, year of diagnosis, stage, RT status, and chemotherapy status. On adjusted MVA, use of chemotherapy was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio: 1.22 [95% CI 1.1-1.35], p<0.001), whereas RT was associated with improved OS (HR:0.9 [95% CI, 0.83-0.97], p=0.008). Conclusions The current study demonstrates that RT is associated with improved survival for patients with MCC. Chemotherapy was associated with worse OS. This supports the recent clinical shift towards immune checkpoints inhibitors as standard of care in the metastatic setting, and promising trials in the adjuvant and advanced settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine Tayeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, USA
| | - Bryan Squires
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, USA
| | - Janice M Mehnert
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Quais Hassan Ii
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, USA
| | - Nikhil T Sebastian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Thomas J Quinn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, USA
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Abdominal metastases from Merkel cell carcinoma: Prevalence and presentation on CT examination in 111 patients. Diagn Interv Imaging 2021; 103:41-48. [PMID: 34465553 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence and imaging features of abdominal metastases from Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) on computed tomography (CT) examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 111 patients with MCC from two institutions were initially identified. Of these, 27 patients (27/111; 24.3%) had abdominal metastases from MCC present on CT examination. There were 19 men and 8 women with a mean age of 75 ± 10.8 (SD) years (age range: 46-92 years). CT examinations were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists and analyzed quantitatively for the number and dimensions of abdominal metastases from MCC and qualitatively in terms of location, margins, contours, homogeneity, patterns of enhancement, vascular involvement and extension of metastases from MCC. RESULTS Fifteen patients (15/27; 56%) had abdominal metastatic disease at initial diagnosis and twelve (12/27; 44%) developed abdominal metastases during the course of the disease. The mean number of locations of abdominal metastases was 2.1 ± 1.12 (SD) (range: 1-5). Abdominal metastases involved abdominal lymph nodes (16/27; 59%), adrenal glands/kidneys/retroperitoneum (14/27; 52%), mesentery/peritoneum (13/27; 48%), liver (7/27; 26%) and pancreas (7/27; 26%). Vascular involvement was found in association with peritoneal/mesenteric metastases in 6/13 (46%) patients with intraperitoneal metastases or in association with abdominal lymph nodes in 4/16 (25%) patients. Ureteral encasement and/or dilatation was found in 4/14 (28%) patients with retroperitoneal metastases and 3/16 (19%) patients with abdominal lymph nodes. Metastases to the liver, pancreas, peritoneum, retroperitoneum and adrenal glands displayed internal enhancement during the arterial phase in 1/2 (50%), 4/5 (80%), 4/7 (57%) and 5/8 (62%) patients for whom arterial phase was available, respectively. CONCLUSION Metastases from MCC have a prevalence of 24.3% on CT examination and may involve a variety of abdominal organs, mainly lymph nodes, peritoneal and retroperitoneal structures, but also the liver and pancreas. CT features of abdominal metastases from MCC include hypervascularity during the arterial phase of enhancement and eventually vascular and ureteral involvement.
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Leão I, Marinho J, Costa T. Long-term response to avelumab and management of oligoprogression in Merkel cell carcinoma: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:4829-4836. [PMID: 34222455 PMCID: PMC8223835 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i18.4829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasia, with high risk of recurrence and metastasis and poor survival. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, like the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 agent avelumab, were recently approved for the treatment of advanced MCC. We, herein, report the first case of advanced MCC with oligoprogression managed with avelumab and local radical treatment.
CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old man was presented to the hospital with sporadic fever and an exudative malodorous mass (10 cm of diameter), located on the right gluteal region. The final diagnosis was MCC, cT4N3M1c (AJCC, TNM staging 8th edition, 2017), with invasion of adjacent muscle, in-transit metastasis, and bone lesions. Patient started chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide), and after six cycles, the main tumor increased, evidencing disease progression. Two months later, the patient started second line treatment with avelumab (under an early access program). After two cycles of treatment, the lesion started to decrease, achieving a major response. Local progression was documented after 16 cycles. However, as the tumor became resectable, salvage surgery was performed, while keeping the systemic treatment with avelumab. Since the patient developed bilateral pneumonia, immunotherapy was suspended. More than 2.5 years after surgery (last 19 mo without systemic therapy), the patient maintains complete local response and stable bone lesions.
CONCLUSION This report highlights the efficacy and long-term response of avelumab on the management of a chemotherapy resistant advanced MCC, with evidence of oligoprogression, in combination with local radical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Leão
- Department of Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia 4434-502, Portugal
| | - Joana Marinho
- Department of Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia 4434-502, Portugal
| | - Telma Costa
- Department of Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia 4434-502, Portugal
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Yin X, She H, Martin Kasyanju Carrero L, Ma W, Zhou B. Nomogram prediction for the overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:286. [PMID: 33708913 PMCID: PMC7944317 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, with a high recurrence rate and a high mortality rate worldwide. The purpose of this article is to construct a nomogram that incorporates significant clinical parameters and predicts the survival of individuals with MCC. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was employed to retrospectively analyze all confirmed MCC cases from 2004 to 2015. The data was collected from 3,688 patients, and was randomized as the training or validation group (1:1 ratio). The independent factors which predicted the cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) for MCC cases were searched for nomogram construction respectively. Independent parameters that affected CSS were determined using the Fine and Gray competing risk regression model. In addition, the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Then, the area under the curve (AUC) values, calibration curve, and the concordance index (C-index) were used to determine the nomogram performance. At last, decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to determine the net clinical benefit. Results The multivariate analysis results revealed that sex, age, race, marriage, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were independent OS prognostic factors. Furthermore, competing risk analysis showed age, sex, AJCC stage, chemotherapy were the independent CSS prognostic factors. For validation, the C-index value of OS nomogram was 0.703 (95% CI: 0.686-0.721), while C-index value of CSS nomogram was 0.737 (95% CI: 0.710-0.764). Both C-index and AUC suggested that nomograms had superior performance to that of the AJCC stage system. In addition, according to the calibration curve, both nomograms were capable of accurate prediction of MCC prognosis. The DCA showed that the net benefits of the nomograms were superior among various threshold probabilities than these of AJCC stage system. Conclusions The present work established and verified the novel nomograms to predict the OS and CSS of MCC patients. If further confirmed in future studies, it may become another helpful tool for risk stratification and management of MCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Yin
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huihui She
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Weiwei Ma
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingrong Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Bleicher J, Asare EA, Flores S, Bowles TL, Bowen GM, Hyngstrom JR. Oncologic outcomes of patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC): A multi-institutional cohort study. Am J Surg 2020; 221:844-849. [PMID: 32878692 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that primarily affects elderly patients. Despite aggressive treatment, overall survival (OS) remains low. METHODS This study is a multi-institutional, retrospective review of 102 patients with MCC. We evaluated OS, disease-specific survival (DSS), and risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS Median age of patients was 71.46% of patients recurred. Patients with stage I disease had median 5-year OS of 59.3%, compared to 68.1% DSS. For stage III, median 5-year OS was 46.0% vs 58.2% DSS. Disease stage and advanced age were risk factors for recurrence and decreased OS. Immunocompromised status and disease stage were the strongest predictors of DSS. CONCLUSIONS DSS is significantly better than OS for patients with MCC. Many elderly patients with newly diagnosed MCC have low remaining life expectancy, regardless of their MCC diagnosis. Patient age and overall health status should be considered to personalize care plans for patients with MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Bleicher
- Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Elliot A Asare
- Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Surgery, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shadai Flores
- Department of Dermatology, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Tawnya L Bowles
- Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Surgery, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Glen M Bowen
- Department of Dermatology, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John R Hyngstrom
- Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Surgery, George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Rembielak A, Ajithkumar T. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer - An Underestimated Global Health Threat? Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2019; 31:735-737. [PMID: 31540801 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2019.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Rembielak
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - T Ajithkumar
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
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