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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?
2 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · University of Florida
Answered on

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.

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Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Answered on

“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 primary tumor. These patients...

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