The role of radiotherapy in the updated German S2k guideline for management of Merkel cell carcinoma

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a radiosensitive tumor and the role of radiotherapy in the management of this disease was newly defined in the recently published update of the S2k guideline on Merkel cell carcinoma of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). While adjuvant radiotherapy of the tumor bed is broadly recommended, irradiation of the regional nodal region can be performed in patients with negative sentinel lymph nodes and high-risk factors. In patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes, it is an alternative to completion lymphadenectomy. The standard dose for adjuvant radiotherapy remains 50 Gy.