Merkel cell carcinoma : Report of ten cases with emphasis on clinical course, treatment, and in vitro drug sensitivity

摘要: Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary neuroendocrine skin tumor most often seen in the elderly. The clinical course varies. Treatment controversial and few data on drug sensitivity are available. Objective: We evaluated treatment of 10 MCC patients determined chemosensitivity. Methods: Clinical records as well laboratory histopathologic from with treated our department were examined. Chemosensitivity to various chemotherapeutic agents interferons cells four was a soft agar clonogenic assay. Results: behaved aggressive early frequent local relapses (4 at 2.2-month average), regional 2.5 months), distant metastases (5 9.6 months after excision tumor). In all but one patient, preceded ones. Metastatic spread associated average survival 21 initial diagnosis. Long-term (53+ 65+ months) observed two women. Wide tumor, alone or combined adjuvant chemotherapy radiotherapy, effective treatment. advanced disease, radiotherapy not able induce long-term remission. vitro assays for revealed cisplatin, doxorubicin, vindesine be active. Conclusion: has poor prognosis stages; therefore should aggressively treated. assay may help identify chemosensitivity profile optimize protocols.