Oncologic outcomes of patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC): A multi-institutional cohort study

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that primarily affects elderly patients. Despite aggressive treatment, overall survival (OS) remains low.

This study is a multi-institutional, retrospective review of 102 patients with MCC. We evaluated OS, disease-specific survival (DSS), and risk factors for recurrence.

Median age of patients was 71.46% of patients recurred. Patients with stage I disease had median 5-year OS of 59.3%, compared to 68.1% DSS. For stage III, median 5-year OS was 46.0% vs 58.2% DSS. Disease stage and advanced age were risk factors for recurrence and decreased OS. Immunocompromised status and disease stage were the strongest predictors of DSS.

DSS is significantly better than OS for patients with MCC. Many elderly patients with newly diagnosed MCC have low remaining life expectancy, regardless of their MCC diagnosis. Patient age and overall health status should be considered to personalize care plans for patients with MCC.