Primary tumor site for localized Merkel cell carcinoma drives different management strategies without impacting oncologic outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Clinically localized Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has been associated with high rates of disease relapse. This study examines how primary tumor anatomic site drives patterns of care and outcomes in a large cohort treated in the contemporary era.

Materials and methods

Patterns of care and associated outcomes were evaluated for clinically Stage I-II MCC patients treated at our institution with adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) to the primary site and/or regional nodal basin as a component of their curative intent therapy between 2014-2021.

Results

Of 80 patients who met inclusion criteria, the primary tumor anatomic site was head and neck (HN) for 42 (53%) and non-head and neck (NHN) for 38 (47%). Primary tumor risk factors were similar between cohor

SUBMITTER: Cass S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11378340 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature