Radiotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma: recommendations from the DEGRO Dermatooncology Working Group

Cancer research · Merkel cell carcinoma

The current standard of care prescribes surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy of the tumor bed, ideally initiated within 8 weeks after surgery to optimize clinical outcomes.

The current standard of care prescribes surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy of the tumor bed, ideally initiated within 8 weeks after surgery to optimize clinical outcomes. In case of lymph node involvement, lymph node dissection and/or radiotherapy of the involved nodal basin are recommended. Furthermore, new evidence supports the effectiveness of shorter radiotherapy approaches, with moderate hypofractionated or even ultrahypofractionated schedules serving as effective options for certain patients, particularly those with frailty or comorbidities, or when it is clinically necessary to minimize the treatment burden. In cases of inoperability, refusal of surgery, or significant frailty, definitive local radiotherapy can achieve sufficient disease control. The synergistic potential of combining immunotherapy with radiation in advanced cases remains a key area for ongoing research.

MCC is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with high rates of locoregional relapse and distant spread. Optimal timing and fractionation of radiotherapy are critical to improve local control and overall survival, especially in the setting of multimodal treatment.

Evidence level: Klinikai vizsgálat. Formális klinikai vizsgálati eredmény.

Original source

Related signals