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Updated: May 9, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
A better prognosis for Merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin
Kathryn T Chen1, Pavlos Papavasiliou, Kyle Edwards
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
Background:
There is limited evidence that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) arising from a nodal basin without evidence of a primary cutaneous (PC) site has better prognosis. We present our experience at 2 tertiary care referral centers with stage III MCC with and without a PC site.
Methods:
Fifty stage III MCC patients were identified between 1996 and 2011. Clinical data were analyzed, with primary endpoints being disease-free survival and overall survival.
Results:
Of stage III patients, 34 patients presented with a PC site and 16 patients with an unknown primary (UP) site. Treatment strategies varied; of patients with UP vs. PC sites, 25% vs. 44% underwent combined regional lymphadenectomy and radiation, with an additional 25% vs. 15% receiving chemotherapy. The median disease-free survival for a UP site was not reached vs. 15 months for a PC site (hazards ratio = .48, P = .18). The median overall survival for a UP site was not reached vs 21 months for a PC site (hazards ratio = .34, P = .03). Multivariate analysis showed that UP status was a significant factor in overall survival (P = .002).
Conclusions:
Stage III MCC with a UP site portends a better prognosis than MCC with a PC site.
