How would you manage a Merkel cell carcinoma that spontaneously regressed clinically in a patient medically high-risk for surgical resection/anesthesia?
How would you treat the primary tumor (located in the chest)? Would you treat the regional lymph nodes?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
“Spontaneous regression” of Merkel cell carcinoma has been studied in a limited capacity. I don’t know of any studies that clearly guide management. Patients who present with an unknown primary Merkel cell carcinoma and regional lymphadenopathy probably have a regressed primar...
Sign in or Register to read more
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Less than 5% of MCCs are T0. I’ve never seen spontaneous regression of a biopsy-proven MCC in over 45 years. That said, should lightning strike, RT to the primary site and elective RT to the regional nodes.