A review of the epidemiology and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare and aggressive neoplasm. Due to its rarity, therapeutic guidelines are not well established, especially for regionally advanced disease. Articles in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish from the last 20 years were identified in MEDLINE and reviewed. The key word “Merkel” was used for the search, relevant articles were selected, and their references were examined. The most important articles related to epidemiology, genesis and treatment were reviewed. The incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma is increasing due to the advancing age of the population, higher rates of sun exposure and an increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. With regard to etiology, the recently described Merkel Cell polyomavirus is thought to play a role. Either local or regional surgical intervention remains the standard of care, but adjuvant radiotherapy or radiotherapy as a primary treatment have been discussed as reasonable therapeutic options. An update on this rare neoplasia is essential because of its increasing incidence and changing treatment options.

Clinical features and treatment of vulvar Merkel cell carcinoma: a systematic review

“…The tumor is thought to originate from the Merkel cell mechanoreceptors located in the stratum basale of the epidermis [2]. Although rare, the incidence of this neoplasm is increasing due to the advancing age of the population, higher rates of sun exposure, and a growing proportion of immunocompromised individuals [2]. MCC occurs predominately in the elderly with an average age of onset at 69 years old and a slightly higher prevalence in males (1.56:1 Male:Female) [3].…”

“…MCC occurs predominately in the elderly with an average age of onset at 69 years old and a slightly higher prevalence in males (1.56:1 Male:Female) [3]. Additional risk factors include Caucasian race (incidence of 0.23 per 100,000) [2] and immunosuppression, with a younger age at presentation for immunocompromised individuals [4]. The neoplasm is predominately found in the head and neck (41–50%), followed by the extremities (32–38%), and then the trunk (12–14%) [2].…”

Nuclear medicine techniques in Merkel cell carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

“…To date, the first hypothesis appears to be the most widely accepted (3,5). MCC is a rare condition with an estimated annual incidence of 0.23 cases per 100,000 individuals throughout the Caucasian population (6). However, according to age-adapted incidence rates, the occurrence of MCC increased between 1986 and 2001, exhibiting a statistically significant annual increase of 8% (7).…”

“…However, according to age-adapted incidence rates, the occurrence of MCC increased between 1986 and 2001, exhibiting a statistically significant annual increase of 8% (7). Possible reasons for this increase include longer life expectancy, greater sun exposure and a growing number of immunocompromised individuals (6). Furthermore, there is a higher incidence in men and the elderly (6).…”

“…Possible reasons for this increase include longer life expectancy, greater sun exposure and a growing number of immunocompromised individuals (6). Furthermore, there is a higher incidence in men and the elderly (6).…”