1. Management of merkel cell carcinoma: the roles of lymphoscintigraphy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and adjuvant radiotherapy.
- Author
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Warner RE, Quinn MJ, Hruby G, Scolyer RA, Uren RF, and Thompson JF
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Carcinoma, Merkel Cell mortality, Carcinoma, Merkel Cell secondary, Female, Humans, Lymphatic Metastasis, Male, Middle Aged, Radionuclide Imaging, Radiotherapy, Adjuvant, Retrospective Studies, Skin Neoplasms mortality, Skin Neoplasms pathology, Survival Rate, Carcinoma, Merkel Cell radiotherapy, Lymph Nodes diagnostic imaging, Neoplasm Recurrence, Local diagnostic imaging, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Skin Neoplasms radiotherapy
- Abstract
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon, highly aggressive skin malignancy with a propensity to recur locally and regionally. However, its optimal treatment is uncertain. In this study, we aimed to assess the roles of lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node (SN) biopsy, as well as radiotherapy, in the treatment of MCC., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 17 patients diagnosed with MCC (median age 74 years) over a 7-year period (median follow-up 16 months) was performed., Results: Of 11 patients. 3 had a positive SN biopsy and, despite adjuvant radiotherapy, 2 of these 3 developed regional lymph node (RLN) recurrence. Of the remaining 8 patients who had a negative SN biopsy, however, 5 also had RLN recurrences. There were 9 patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) to the primary site, with no in-field recurrences; and 8 who received RT to their RLN field, with only 2 developing regional nodal recurrences-both were SN biopsy positive. During the follow-up period, 2 patients died, only 1 due to MCC., Conclusion: The results suggest that SN status may not be an accurate predictor of loco-regional recurrence in MCC. However, they strongly reinforce previous reports that radiotherapy, both locally and to regional nodes, provides effective infield disease control.
- Published
- 2008
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