Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
13:45
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
10.3K
Bone marrow involvement with Merkel cell carcinoma
Ahmad Khan1, Shahroz Adil2, Oscar C Estalilla3
1West Virginia University Robert C Byrd Health Sciences Center Charleston Division, Charleston, West Virginia, USA drahmadk83@gmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 30, 2020
Summary
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) rarely involves the bone marrow, especially in immunocompromised patients. Bone marrow biopsy may be crucial for staging MCC in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer.
- MCC commonly affects the head, neck, face, extremities, or torso.
- Bone marrow involvement in MCC is exceptionally rare, with only nine reported cases.
Observation:
- The study presents a case of extensive bone marrow involvement in MCC.
- The patient was an 80-year-old Caucasian woman with rheumatoid arthritis.
- She was undergoing treatment with adalimumab, methotrexate, and prednisone.
Findings:
- Bone marrow biopsy is not standard for MCC staging, potentially underestimating incidence.
- A strong association exists between MCC bone marrow involvement and immunosuppression.
- This case highlights extensive bone marrow infiltration in an immunocompromised patient.
Implications:
- Bone marrow biopsy should be considered in the staging of MCC for immunocompromised patients.
- Early detection of bone marrow involvement can guide treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to understand the incidence and impact of bone marrow involvement in MCC.
