Chemotherapy of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that bears histologic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical resemblance to small cell lung cancer. Although this tumor is often localized and may be treated with wide excision, metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma does appear in 18%-28% of patients and may be aggressive and lethal. We report a case of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma who responded to treatment with cisplatin/etoposide. Review of the literature reveals that doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide-based regimens and cisplatin-based regimens have been most commonly studied. Complete and partial responses are often achieved although the duration of response tends to be short. Further investigation of chemotherapeutic regimens similar to those used in small cell lung cancer should be undertaken.