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A Good Case Despite No Prospective Studies

Arch Dermatol. 2003;139:1641-1643.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

WITH A MORTALITY rate of roughly 25%, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is significantly more dangerous than melanoma (roughly 15% mortality). Although precise numbers do not exist, its incidence of approximately 400 cases per year in the United States^1-2 is likely to be on the rise.³ Factors that are likely contributing to this include the aging population (mean age of MCC onset is about 70 years), greater numbers of immunocompromised organ transplant recipients (a greater incidence and severity of MCC in this population over the general public has been reported⁴), and, of course, the increased sun exposure habits of the past few decades. Despite a great need for the best possible care for patients with this dangerous malignancy, significant confusion persists in the literature regarding optimal management of MCC.

Specifically, despite an extensive body of literature that supports a role for radiation therapy, there persist statements that suggest radiation therapy . . . [Full Text of this Article]

WHY IS THERE A LACK OF CONSENSUS IN THE TREATMENT OF MCC?


INADEQUACY OF SURGERY ALONE AND IMPROVED OUTCOMES WITH ADJUVANT RADIATION

NEW INSIGHTS INTO RADIATION AS MONOTHERAPY
M. Isabel Longo, MD, PhD
Charlestown, Mass

Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD
Cutaneous Oncology Unit
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney St
Boston, MA 02115
(e-mail: pnghiem@partners.org)

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