Recurrence and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Primary Merkel Cell Carcinoma with Positive, Negative, or Not Performed Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) had significantly longer recurrence‑free, disease‑specific, and overall survival compared with those who did not, supporting routine SLNB when feasible.
A retrospective review of 696 Merkel cell carcinoma patients (1999–2024) found that 75% underwent SLNB, of whom 35% were positive. Patients who omitted SLNB were older, more likely to have comorbidities, and experienced higher recurrence (58% vs. 30%) and shorter median follow‑up (3 years). Median recurrence‑free survival, disease‑specific survival, and overall survival were longer in patients who had SLNB. Multivariable analysis confirmed SLNB as an independent predictor of improved outcomes.
The data demonstrate that performing SLNB yields better staging and survival outcomes, reinforcing guidelines that advocate SLNB in Merkel cell carcinoma when medically appropriate.
Evidence level: Korai humán adat. Kis vagy feltáró emberi adat.
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