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Alexander NA, Nghiem P, Chen DL, Park SY. Unmasking hidden Merkel cell carcinoma recurrences: Three illustrative cases of patients with rising viral oncoprotein antibody levels and challenge of requiring multi-modal imaging to detect clinical disease. Radiol Case Rep 2024; 19:2978-2983. [PMID: 38737184 PMCID: PMC11087905 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine skin cancer with a high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Regular surveillance through physical exams and imaging studies is crucial for the timely detection of recurrences. MCC patients who produce antibodies to the Merkel cell polyomavirus oncoprotein may benefit from antibody testing in addition to routine imaging surveillance for the early detection of disease recurrence. The clinically available Anti MERKel cell panel (AMERK) is a sensitive tumor marker for Merkel cell polyomavirus positive MCC. Although AMERK is highly sensitive, imaging remains necessary to confirm the location of disease recurrence. MCC exhibits characteristic imaging features, making appropriate imaging modalities, and interpretation important for detection. We present 3 representative patient cases that highlight effective utilization of the AMERK test in addition to imaging for the early detection of MCC recurrence. The rise in the AMERK titer may occur before the disease reaches detectable size on computed tomography scans. Positron emission tomography (PET)-CT can serve as an alternative modality for the early detection of disease. Even subtle abnormalities in 18F-FDG uptake may be significant if accompanied by an increased AMERK titer. Alternative imaging modalities, such as 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-CT and magnetic resonance imaging, can be useful in revealing clinically occult disease in MCC patients. In summary, the AMERK antibody test, alongside imaging, enhances sensitivity in detecting recurrence. By combining these strategies of blood test and imaging, healthcare professionals can identify early signs of MCC recurrence, leading to prompt interventions and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora A. Alexander
- University of Washington, Department of Dermatology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- University of Washington, Department of Dermatology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Delphine L. Chen
- University of Washington, Department of Radiology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Song Y. Park
- University of Washington, Department of Dermatology, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Wagner WD, Lahm DW, Dave A, Chundury RV. Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma presenting as an orbital mass. Orbit 2024; 43:244-247. [PMID: 35920584 DOI: 10.1080/01676830.2022.2104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
A 67-year-old female presented with 2 weeks of right eye pain, redness, and diplopia. An orbital mass was found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy revealed Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). She had no primary head or neck lesion and no previous history of MCC. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed hypermetabolic subcutaneous lesions of the lower extremity andmultiple osseous lesions of the axial and appendicular skeleton. She received palliative external radiation of 20 Gy in 5 fractions to the orbit. After discussing immunotherapy, she opted for comfort care and expired 1 month later. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the third case of MCC with distant metastasis to the orbit and the first case in which the patient had no previous diagnosis of MCC and no known primary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Wagner
- Stanley Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Derek W Lahm
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Atman Dave
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rao V Chundury
- Stanley Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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3
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Zhu G, Xie L, Hu X. Imaging of Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid: A case report. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:119. [PMID: 38312913 PMCID: PMC10835335 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14252] [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] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary neuroendocrine carcinoma commonly found in older adults in areas of the skin that are susceptible to ultraviolet ray damage. The current study reports the case of a 79-year-old woman who presented to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (Zunyi, China) with a painless lump in the lower eyelid of the left eye accompanied by photophobic tears for 4 months. Head computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying lesion ~2.8×2.4 cm in size outside the left orbital muscle cone, which was poorly demarcated from the surrounding normal tissues. Markedly intense and tortuous walking vascular shadows were observed within the tumor tissues. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET)/CT revealed increased 18F-FDG uptake in the corresponding lesions. Based on these imaging features, a malignant tumor was suspected. The patient subsequently underwent surgery. Postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry revealed MCC. The clinical presentation of MCC is usually a painless soft-tissue nodule or mass that grows rapidly over a short period and is flesh-colored, bluish red or purple. A slightly hyperdense mass on CT, with equal T1-weighted and slightly longer T2-weighted MRI signals, and mild enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans, accompanied by significantly enhanced distorted vascular shadows and increased 18F-FDG uptake on PET/CT, are valuable in the diagnosis of eyelid MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Zunyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Liting Xie
- Department of Gynecology, Zunyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xianwen Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
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Pathak P, Wondimu B, Jalilianhasanpour R, Pooyan A, Matesan MC, Mansoori B. Skin Malignancies: Imaging Review with Radiologic-Histopathologic Correlation. Radiographics 2023; 43:e230093. [PMID: 38032822 DOI: 10.1148/rg.230093] [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: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Skin malignancies are commonly encountered as primary or incidental findings. Neoplasms that affect the skin include primary (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma) and secondary (mesenchymal neoplasms, lymphoma, and metastases) tumors. Imaging provides valuable anatomic information (tumor size, depth of involvement, presence of distant metastasis, and data for guiding biopsy) and functional information (metabolic activity and sentinel node mapping data). This information, in addition to biopsy results, improves the histopathologic characterization of tumors and treatment planning. Various histopathologic types of the same entity exhibit different biologic behavior and have different imaging features. Familiarity with the multimodality imaging features, histopathologic characteristics, and various modes of dissemination (direct invasion; perineural, lymphatic, and hematogenous spread) of the most common skin malignancies helps radiologists narrow the differential diagnosis in clinical practice. ©RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Pathak
- From the Department of Radiology, Divisions of Abdominal Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, University of Minnesota (M-Health), 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (P.P.); and the Department of Pathology (B.W.); Department of Radiology (R.J., A.P.), Divisions of Nuclear Medicine (M.C.M.) and Abdominal Imaging (B.M.), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Bitania Wondimu
- From the Department of Radiology, Divisions of Abdominal Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, University of Minnesota (M-Health), 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (P.P.); and the Department of Pathology (B.W.); Department of Radiology (R.J., A.P.), Divisions of Nuclear Medicine (M.C.M.) and Abdominal Imaging (B.M.), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Rozita Jalilianhasanpour
- From the Department of Radiology, Divisions of Abdominal Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, University of Minnesota (M-Health), 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (P.P.); and the Department of Pathology (B.W.); Department of Radiology (R.J., A.P.), Divisions of Nuclear Medicine (M.C.M.) and Abdominal Imaging (B.M.), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Atefe Pooyan
- From the Department of Radiology, Divisions of Abdominal Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, University of Minnesota (M-Health), 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (P.P.); and the Department of Pathology (B.W.); Department of Radiology (R.J., A.P.), Divisions of Nuclear Medicine (M.C.M.) and Abdominal Imaging (B.M.), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Manuela C Matesan
- From the Department of Radiology, Divisions of Abdominal Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, University of Minnesota (M-Health), 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (P.P.); and the Department of Pathology (B.W.); Department of Radiology (R.J., A.P.), Divisions of Nuclear Medicine (M.C.M.) and Abdominal Imaging (B.M.), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Bahar Mansoori
- From the Department of Radiology, Divisions of Abdominal Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, University of Minnesota (M-Health), 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (P.P.); and the Department of Pathology (B.W.); Department of Radiology (R.J., A.P.), Divisions of Nuclear Medicine (M.C.M.) and Abdominal Imaging (B.M.), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Oh HY, Kim D, Choi YS, Kim E, Kim TE. Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Trunk: Two Case Reports and Imaging Review. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGY 2023; 84:1134-1139. [PMID: 37869108 PMCID: PMC10585082 DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2022.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant cutaneous tumor primarily located in the head and neck. We report the imaging features of pathologically confirmed MCC in the trunk. On US, MCC showed heterogeneous echogenicity with perpendicular hypoechoic linear bands that resembled "columns of smoke" in the skin and subcutaneous layers as well as prominent vascularity. On MRI, the tumor showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on proton density and T2-weighted images with linear low-signal bands in the skin and subcutaneous layers as well as intense enhancement on T1-enhanced images. Although MCC has nonspecific imaging features, these characteristics may be helpful for the early diagnosis of this disease.
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Russo GM, Russo A, Urraro F, Cioce F, Gallo L, Belfiore MP, Sangiovanni A, Napolitano S, Troiani T, Verolino P, Sica A, Brancaccio G, Briatico G, Nardone V, Reginelli A. Management of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Radiologists Challenging and Risk Assessment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040793. [PMID: 36832281 PMCID: PMC9955870 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma are the three main types of nonmelanoma skin cancers and their rates of occurrence and mortality have been steadily rising over the past few decades. For radiologists, it is still difficult to treat patients with advanced nonmelanoma skin cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancer patients would benefit greatly from an improved diagnostic imaging-based risk stratification and staging method that takes into account patient characteristics. The risk is especially elevated among those who previously received systemic treatment or phototherapy. Systemic treatments, including biologic therapies and methotrexate (MTX), are effective in managing immune-mediated diseases; however, they may increase susceptibility to NMSC due to immunosuppression or other factors. Risk stratification and staging tools are crucial in treatment planning and prognostic evaluation. PET/CT appears more sensitive and superior to CT and MRI for nodal and distant metastasis as well as in surveillance after surgery. The patient treatment response improved with advent and utilization of immunotherapy and different immune-specific criteria are established to standardized evaluation criteria of clinical trials but none of them have been utilized routinely with immunotherapy. The advent of immunotherapy has also arisen new critical issues for radiologists, such as atypical response pattern, pseudo-progression, as well as immune-related adverse events that require early identification to optimize and improve patient prognosis and management. It is important for radiologists to have knowledge of the radiologic features site of the tumor, clinical stage, histological subtype, and any high-risk features to assess immunotherapy treatment response and immune-related adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Maria Russo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Russo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Urraro
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cioce
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Gallo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Belfiore
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Napolitano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Troiani
- Unit of Plastic Surgery, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80120 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Verolino
- Unit of Plastic Surgery, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80120 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonello Sica
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Brancaccio
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Briatico
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Nardone
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Reginelli
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80123 Naples, Italy
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7
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Lyu J, Liu S, Lu Y. A case of multiple recurrent facial Merkel cell carcinoma: Treatment and imaging findings. Asian J Surg 2023:S1015-9584(22)01811-5. [PMID: 36610904 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.12.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhong Shan Road, Dalian, 116023, PR China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Dalian Second People's Hospital, No.29 Hongji Street, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, PR China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhong Shan Road, Dalian, 116023, PR China.
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Akaike T, Cahill K, Akaike G, Huynh ET, Hippe DS, Shinohara MM, Liao J, Apisarnthanarax S, Parvathaneni U, Hall E, Bhatia S, Cheng RK, Nghiem P, Tseng YD. Management and Prognosis of Cardiac Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study and Literature Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5914. [PMID: 36497395 PMCID: PMC9741306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer, has a high rate (20%) of distant metastasis. Within a prospective registry of 582 patients with metastatic MCC (mMCC) diagnosed between 2003-2021, we identified 9 (1.5%) patients who developed cardiac metastatic MCC (mMCC). We compared overall survival (OS) between patients with cardiac and non-cardiac metastases in a matched case-control study. Cardiac metastasis was a late event (median 925 days from initial MCC diagnosis). The right heart was predominantly involved (8 of 9; 89%). Among 7 patients treated with immunotherapy, 6 achieved a complete or partial response of the cardiac lesion. Among these 6 responders, 5 received concurrent cardiac radiotherapy (median 20 Gray) with immunotherapy; 4 of 5 did not have local disease progression or recurrence in the treated cardiac lesion. One-year OS was 44%, which was not significantly different from non-cardiac mMCC patients (45%, p = 0.96). Though it occurs relatively late in the disease course, cardiac mMCC responded to immunotherapy and/or radiotherapy and was not associated with worse prognosis compared to mMCC at other anatomic sites. These results are timely as cardiac mMCC may be increasingly encountered in the era of immunotherapy as patients with metastatic MCC live longer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Akaike
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kelsey Cahill
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Gensuke Akaike
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- TRA Medical Imaging, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
| | - Emily T. Huynh
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel S. Hippe
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Michi M. Shinohara
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jay Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | | | - Upendra Parvathaneni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | - Evan Hall
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard K. Cheng
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Yolanda D. Tseng
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
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Spada F, Bossi P, Caracò C, Sileni VC, Dei Tos AP, Fazio N, Grignani G, Maio M, Quaglino P, Queirolo P, Ascierto PA. Nationwide multidisciplinary consensus on the clinical management of Merkel cell carcinoma: a Delphi panel. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004742. [PMID: 35701070 PMCID: PMC9198700 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004742] [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: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. The MCC incidence rate has rapidly grown over the last years, with Italy showing the highest increase among European countries. This malignancy has been the focus of active scientific research over the last years, focusing mainly on pathogenesis, new therapeutic trials and diagnosis. A national expert board developed 28 consensus statements that delineated the evolution of disease management and highlighted the paradigm shift towards the use of immunological strategies, which were then presented to a national MCC specialists panel for review. Sixty-five panelists answered both rounds of the questionnaire. The statements were divided into five areas: a high level of agreement was reached in the area of guidelines and multidisciplinary management, even if in real life the multidisciplinary team was not always represented by all the specialists. In the diagnostic pathway area, imaging played a crucial role in diagnosis and initial staging, planning for surgery or radiation therapy, assessment of treatment response and surveillance of recurrence and metastases. Concerning diagnosis, the usefulness of Merkel cell polyomavirus is recognized, but the agreement and consensus regarding the need for cytokeratin evaluation appears greater. Regarding the areas of clinical management and follow-up, patients with MCC require customized treatment. There was a wide dispersion of results and the suggestion to increase awareness about the adjuvant radiation therapy. The panelists unanimously agreed that the information concerning avelumab provided by the JAVELIN Merkel 200 study is adequate and reliable and that the expanded access program data could have concrete clinical implications. An immunocompromised patient with advanced MCC can be treated with immunotherapy after multidisciplinary risk/benefit assessment, as evidenced by real-world analysis and highlighted in the guidelines. A very high consensus regarding the addition of radiotherapy to treat the ongoing focal progression of immunotherapy was observed. This paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among the interprofessional team members and encourages managing patients with MCC within dedicated multidisciplinary teams. New insights in the treatment of this challenging cancer needs the contribution of many and different experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Spada
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health-Medical Oncology, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Corrado Caracò
- Melanoma and Skin Cancers Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grignani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Queirolo
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione "G.Pascale", Napoli, Italy
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Kawaguchi M, Kato H, Noda Y, Kobayashi K, Miyazaki T, Hyodo F, Matsuo M. Imaging findings of malignant skin tumors: radiological-pathological correlation. Insights Imaging 2022; 13:52. [PMID: 35316414 PMCID: PMC8941041 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-022-01205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sometimes, radiologists encounter malignant skin tumors (MSTs) during image interpretation. As MSTs require different clinical management modalities for each histological subtype, accurate preoperative diagnosis is essential. The histological subtypes of MST can be easily assessed by visual inspection or biopsy. Therefore, the significant role of radiological imaging in MSTs is to evaluate the extent of local invasion, nodal involvement, and distant metastasis, and the histological estimation of MSTs by radiological imaging has not been reported until a few years ago. However, recent studies have revealed characteristic radiological features for differential diagnosis of MSTs, such as configuration, intratumoral homogeneity, signal intensity, cyst formation, and hemorrhage. Other important clinical data for determining the histological subtype of MST include age, gender, and site of occurrence. MSTs can be categorized as epidermal, melanocytic, adnexal, and mesenchymal tumors based on the origin and have distinctive characteristics. Hence, this review article was designed to describe the clinical and radiological features of MSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kawaguchi
- Department of Radiology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Department of Radiology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Noda
- Department of Radiology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | | | | | - Fuminori Hyodo
- Department of Radiology, Frontier Science for Imaging, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masayuki Matsuo
- Department of Radiology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
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11
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Hernandez LE, Mohsin N, Yaghi M, Frech F, Dreyfuss I, Nouri K. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: An updated review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options. Dermatol Ther 2021; 35:e15292. [PMID: 34967084 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma that typically appears in sun-exposed areas of the elderly. It has a poor prognosis and with its incidence projected to increase, it is vital for dermatologists to remain up to date with recent updates in this malignancy's pathogenesis and treatment. In the past few decades Merkel cell carcinoma's pathogenesis, more specifically its relation to the Merkel cell polyomavirus, has sparked further interest in the study of this carcinoma. Most cases are attributed to malignant transformation secondary to the Merkel cell polyomavirus, with a minority derived from DNA damage resulting from ultraviolet radiation. Investigators have also determined that there are immunologic influences in the development and prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma, as individuals with HIV, solid organ transplants, and lymphoproliferative malignancies are at a greater risk of developing this carcinoma. Also, this immunologic link carries treatment value, as immunologic therapies are currently being investigated. This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Merkel cell carcinoma as well as the current treatments available and clinical trials underway. We also touch upon the updated National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology in respect to its diagnosis and recommended treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren E Hernandez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Noreen Mohsin
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Marita Yaghi
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, USA
| | - Fabio Frech
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Isabella Dreyfuss
- Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Keyvan Nouri
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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12
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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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Cutaneous Malignancies of the Head and Neck. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2021; 35:991-1008. [PMID: 34281755 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous malignancies (CMs), or skin cancers, are the most common cancer worldwide, with a quarter million cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone. The best described risk factor for CM is ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, and therefore most of these cancers develop in sun-exposed skin, including the head and neck. Beginning with melanoma, immunotherapy has increasingly been used over the past decade for treatment of unresectable CM, and immune checkpoint inhibitors are now Food and Drug Administration-approved for first-line treatment of unresectable melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and second-line for basal cell carcinoma.
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Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Current State of Treatment and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143506. [PMID: 34298720 PMCID: PMC8305628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy with increasing incidence. The skin of the head and neck is a common subsite for MCC with distinctions in management from other anatomic areas. Given the rapid pace of developments regarding MCC pathogenesis (Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV)-positive or virus-negative, cell of origin), diagnosis, staging and treatment, and up to date recommendations are critical for optimizing outcomes. This review aims to summarize currently available literature for MCC of the head and neck. The authors reviewed current literature, including international guidelines regarding MCC pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, staging, and treatment. Subsequently recommendations were derived including the importance of baseline imaging, MCPyV serology testing, primary site surgery, nodal evaluation, radiotherapy, and the increasing role of immune modulating agents in MCC. MCPyV serology testing is increasingly important with potential distinctions in treatment response and surveillance between virus-positive and virus-negative MCC. Surgical management continues to balance optimizing local control with minimal morbidity. Similarly, radiotherapy continues to have importance in the adjuvant, definitive, and palliative setting for MCC of the head and neck. Immunotherapy has changed the paradigm for advanced MCC, with increasing work focusing on optimizing outcomes for non-responders and high-risk patients, including those with immunosuppression.
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Patel P, Hussain K. Merkel cell carcinoma. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 46:814-819. [PMID: 33252781 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer that metastasizes to other parts of the body. This cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour mainly affects older people, with most cases generally occurring over the age of 50 years. Merkel cell polyomavirus has been shown to induce gene mutations resulting in this skin cancer, with immunosuppression and ultraviolet radiation being other key risk factors in its pathogenesis. MCC is clinically seen as a rapidly enlarging, isolated, irregular erythematous nodule typically found on sun-exposed sites. Diagnosis is through clinical examination followed by tissue biopsy, which demonstrates characteristic histopathological neuroendocrine features. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in diagnosis with the characteristic perinuclear staining with cytokeratin-20 helping to differentiate it from other morphologically similar tumours. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and imaging is essential for staging and determining prognosis. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment for localized disease although adjuvant radiotherapy is often required. Metastatic disease involves a very poor prognosis, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently shown promise in the treatment of metastatic disease. Avelumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the programmed death-1 receptor, has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and shown encouraging survival outcomes. It provides an option for treating metastatic carcinoma in adults after they have failed ≥ 1 line of chemotherapy for metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Patel
- Department of Medicine, The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Hussain
- Department of Dermatology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Sachpekidis C, Sidiropoulou P, Hassel JC, Drakoulis N, Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss A. Positron Emission Tomography in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2897. [PMID: 33050255 PMCID: PMC7601068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin malignancy usually arising as a nonspecific nodule on sun-exposed areas of the head and neck. Given the poor prognosis of this aggressive tumor, assessment of disease burden in pre- and post-treatment care may ensure an optimal management with significant implications for patient surveillance and prognosis. Although imaging has established its role in locally advanced or distant metastatic MCC, a standard imaging algorithm is yet to be determined and respective recommendations are mainly based on melanoma. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasingly evolving as a valuable imaging tool in metastatic or unresectable MCC, mostly utilizing the glucose analogue 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) as a radiotracer. Despite being inferior in detecting the disease in its early stages compared to the "gold standard" of sentinel lymph node biopsy, recent evidence suggests an important role for 18F-FDG PET/CT in the routine workup of localized MCC. Moreover, 68Ga-labeled somatostatin analogues have been employed as PET tracers in the field of MCC with promising, yet comparable to 18F-FDG, results. This article provides a structured literature review of the most important studies investigating the role of PET or PET/CT in the clinical practice of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Sachpekidis
- German Cancer Research Center, Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Polytimi Sidiropoulou
- 1st Department of Dermatology-Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “A. Sygros” Hospital for Cutaneous & Venereal Diseases, GR-16121 Athens, Greece;
| | - Jessica C. Hassel
- Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-15771 Athens, Greece;
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