Merkel cell carcinoma of the thigh: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

BackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a kind of cutaneous neuroendocrine cancer with a poor prognosis. It is characterized by a high rate of recurrence and metastases, including distant metastases and regional nodal metastases. Clinically, MCC often manifests as obvious single painless hard nodules visible in sun irradiation of diameter <2 cm and not uncommonly >2 cm, with rapid growth and metastases, especially lymph node metastases. Due to the aspecific nature of MCC, it is often confused with other skin cancers. Exploring different treatments of MCC is necessary.Case presentationThe current study describes the case of an 86-year-old retired man, who presented with a 2.5×2.0×1.2 cm red nodule on the right thigh, which was initially diagnosed as subcutaneous small cell cancer. Upon histological and immunohistochemical analysis, the tumor was consistent with a diagnosis of MCC.ResultsAntiangiogenic therapy combining endostar and apatinib was administered and a partial response achieved after 2.0 months of treatment, and 6.5 months of progression-free survival was achieved. Overall survival was 13.0 months.ConclusionWe believe that antiangiogenic therapy is an extremely effective treatment for MCC, especially for patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Endostar Plus Apatinib Successfully Achieved Long Term Progression-Free Survival in Refractory Ovarian Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…The patient achieved partial remission after 2 months of treatment with endostar 30mg civ24h d1-4 plus apatinib 250mg qod PO, and achieved 6.5 months PFS with tolerable adverse reactions. 36 Thus, we selected an individualized treatment regimen with endostar plus apatinib for the patient in this case. Apatinib, approved and marketed in China in 2014, is an oral new type of TKI.…”