Merkel cell carcinoma in situ: A systematic review of prognosis and management. (7th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Truong, Kelvin; Goldinger, Simone M; Chou, Shaun; Howle, Julie R; Veness, Michael J; Fernandez‐Peñas, Pablo; Varey, Alexander H R
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal of dermatology. Volume 63:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: e6
• Page End: e12
• Publication Date: 2021-12-07
• Subjects: merkel cell carcinoma in situ -- intraepidermal merkel cell carcinoma -- merkel cell carcinoma -- carcinoma in situ -- systematic review -- management -- prognosis; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Australasia -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8380

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour. While dermally invasive MCC is known to have a five‐year survival of only 30‐40%, the prognosis and management of MCC in situ (MCCis) is not widely reported. Objective: We present a systematic review to elucidate the prognosis and management of MCCis. Methods: We performed a systematic review, searching three databases to 01 June 2021. Case reports, cohort studies, clinical trials and literature reviews were considered for inclusion. Results: We identified 26 cases of MCCis published in the literature with a median age of 74 years and involving 19 males and 7 females. Most cases were on the face and neck (n = 17), followed by upper limb (n = 8) and lower limb (n = 1). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in three patients, and all were negative. One subject underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. No MCCis‐associated deaths were reported. Conclusion: This review suggests that MCCis has an excellent prognosis with minimal, if any, risk of mortality and a very low risk of dermal invasion and recurrence when treated with wide local excision alone. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is unlikely to be useful for MCCis.