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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
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[MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY]
Ori Samuel Duek1, Yeela Ben Naftali1, Yehuda Ullmann1
1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
Harefuah
|August 28, 2020
Summary
This study suggests a potential link between diabetes and Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer. Findings may help explain rising MCC incidence and inform treatment for this dangerous disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with increasing incidence.
- The prevalence of MCC has tripled in recent decades, necessitating further research into contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a cohort of MCC patients treated at a northern Israeli referral center.
- To compare patient demographics, clinical course, and outcomes with existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 18 MCC patients treated between 2011-2016.
- Analysis of patient demographics, medical history, histology, systemic involvement, adjuvant therapy, recurrence, and survival rates.
Main Results:
- The cohort comprised predominantly elderly, male, Caucasian patients; some were immunocompromised.
- A significant association was observed between diabetes and MCC, with 50% of patients having diabetes, a rate five times higher than the general population.
- Metastases were present in 20% at diagnosis, lymph node involvement occurred in one-third during surgery, leading to 50% recurrence and 40% five-year mortality.
Conclusions:
- The study provides initial evidence suggesting a potential association between diabetes and Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
- This association may contribute to the observed rise in MCC incidence.
- Treatment guidelines for metastatic MCC were established, incorporating immunotherapy to potentially improve patient prognosis.
