Merkel cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin: High response rates to short course palliative radiotherapy – Typical clinical scenarios

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Introduction: Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) are a rare, aggressive skin neuroendocrine carcinomas, with peak incidence in the elderly. MCC often presents as a firm, red/purple painless nodule with a short history of increasing size. Surgery is considered the 1st line treatment but elderly patients, in particular, have comorbidities which may preclude radical surgery requiring reconstruction. In advanced MCC, immunotherapy (IO) is 1st line systemic treatment. Chemotherapy is used 2nd line or if contraindications for IO but can be challenging in an elderly population. There may be an emerging role for PRRT due to the presence of somatostatin receptors on MCC. Radiotherapy (RT) can be used for non-surgical candidates, or those with unresectable or metastatic disease. Adjuvant post-operative irradiation (PORT) may provide additional benefit in risk reduction and improves local control.

Aim(s): We present 3 clinical scenarios to illustrate responses to RT.

Materials and methods: -

Conference:

Presenting Author:

Authors: Saunders E, Sizer B, Collins J, Skelly R, Srinivasan G,

Keywords: Merkel cell, skin, radiotherapy,