Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
08:34
Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
20.9K
Mild Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Toshiaki Matsui1, Naoko Okano1, Hidemasa Kawamura1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, JPN.
Cureus
|March 7, 2020
Summary
A mild hypofractionated radiation schedule may effectively treat inoperable Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This approach offers a viable alternative for elderly patients with MCC who cannot attend frequent hospital visits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer, often affecting the elderly and head/neck region.
- Surgical resection is standard, but many MCC cases are inoperable, necessitating alternative treatments.
- Radiation therapy is a potential definitive treatment for unresectable MCC.
Observation:
- A case report details an 89-year-old patient with stage IIA MCC of the left cheek.
- The patient received a mild hypofractionated radiation schedule (57 Gy in 3 Gy/fraction, 3 fractions/week).
- Treatment targeted the gross tumor volume.
Findings:
- Complete tumor remission was achieved three months post-irradiation.
- Acute toxicities associated with the radiation therapy were well-tolerated.
- The mild hypofractionated schedule demonstrated efficacy in controlling the MCC.
Implications:
- Mild hypofractionated irradiation presents a feasible treatment option for inoperable MCC.
- This schedule may reduce the burden of frequent hospital visits for elderly patients.
- Further research into hypofractionated radiotherapy for MCC is warranted.
