Merkel-Cell Carcinoma: Local Recurrence Rate Versus Radiation Dose Study from a 949-Patient Database

(1) Background: Knowledge regarding the optimal radiotherapy dose for Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) remains limited. (2) Methods: Following a PubMed search, equivalent doses in 2 Gy fractions (Gy2) were compared. (3) Results: Of the 949 patients, 939 were evaluable, with 728 (77.5%) cases localized to...

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Main Authors: Patricia Tai, Michael Veness, Vimal H. Prajapati, Aoife Jones Thachuthara, Jidong Lian, Avi Assouline, Edward Yu, Kurian Joseph
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Current Oncology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/32/4/202
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Summary:(1) Background: Knowledge regarding the optimal radiotherapy dose for Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) remains limited. (2) Methods: Following a PubMed search, equivalent doses in 2 Gy fractions (Gy2) were compared. (3) Results: Of the 949 patients, 939 were evaluable, with 728 (77.5%) cases localized to the primary site and 171 irradiated without chemotherapy. The overall local recurrence rate (LRR) was 23% (40/171). After definitive radiotherapy with EQD2 < 50 Gy2 versus ≥50 Gy2, the LRRs were 23.1% (3/13) and 12.5% a(1/8), respectively (<i>p</i> = 0.0004). (4) Conclusions: For definitive radiotherapy, EQD2 < 50 Gy2 demonstrates a significantly higher LRR than ≥50 Gy2 (<i>p</i> = 0.0004). This study is clinically useful and unique with stratification by definitive/adjuvant settings and positive/negative resection margins. A future prospective multicenter study is needed to determine the optimal radiotherapy doses.
ISSN:1198-0052
1718-7729