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  • Case Study
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Neoadjuvant polychemotherapy in locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background. A 72-year-old man presented with a Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the left cheek with concomitant nodal spread. A 61-year-old man presented with an MCC of the right thigh with rapid nodal recurrence.

Investigations. Skin biopsy samples proved the MCC nature of the neoplasm in both patients. Staging procedure included clinical and radiological investigations.

Diagnosis. Advanced stage II MCC.

Management. Neoadjuvant cisplatin, etoposide and cyclophosphamide (EPC) regimen led to local control in the first patient and allowed curative surgery associated with adjuvant radiation therapy. Complete remission was maintained for 32 months. The second patient was treated by surgery plus radiation therapy. Nodal and cutaneous recurrences were treated with a neoadjuvant EPC regimen leading to a 5-year complete remission.

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Figure 1: Treatment of MCC of the cheek.
Figure 2: Merkel cell carcinoma lesions invading the deep dermis.

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Acknowledgements

D. Lie, University of California, Irvine, CA, is the author of and is solely responsible for the content of the learning objectives, questions and answers of the MedscapeCME-accredited continuing medical education activity associated with this article.

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Correspondence to Thomas Jouary.

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Jouary, T., Lalanne, N., Siberchicot, F. et al. Neoadjuvant polychemotherapy in locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 6, 544–548 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrclinonc.2009.109

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