Abstract
Purpose
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma arising from the skin. We aimed to review and deal with some of the most relevant controversial topics on the correct use of immunotherapy for the treatment of MCC.
Methods
The primary search was carried out via PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (until 31st May, 2018), while other articles and guidelines were retrieved from related papers or those referenced in these papers. Additionally, we performed an extensive search on ClinicalTrials.gov to gather information on the ongoing clinical trials related to this specific topic.
Results
We performed an up-to-date critical review taking into account the results of both retrospective and prospective published studies evaluating these issues: Are there any predictive criteria of response to immunotherapy? What is the correct place of immunotherapy in the treatment algorithm of MCC? What is the best choice after immunotherapy failure? What to do with patients for whom immunotherapy is not been feasible or contraindicated? How long should immunotherapy be prolonged, and what follow-up should be offered after complete response?
Conclusion
The therapeutic landscape of MCC is rapidly evolving: many open issues will probably be resolved, and many other questions are likely to arise in the next few years. The results of ongoing prospective clinical trials and of several other studies on these issues are eagerly awaited.
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Acknowledgements
This review is part of the ‘NIKE’ project (Neuroendocrine tumours Innovation Knowledge and Education) led by Prof Annamaria Colao, which aims at increasing the knowledge on NETs. We would like to acknowledge all the Collaborators of this project: Manuela Albertelli, Barbara Altieri, Elena Ambrosetti, Antonio Bianchi, Lena Bottiglieri, Severo Campione, Silvia Carra, Carla Di Dato, Sergio Di Molfetta, Antonella Di Sarno, Giuseppe Fanciulli, Diego Ferone, Francesco Ferraù, Elisa Giannetta, Federica Grillo, Erika Maria Grossrubatscher, Elia Guadagno, Andrea Isidori, Fabio Lo Calzo, Pasqualino Malandrino, Chiara Martini, Erika Messina, Roberta Modica, Giovanna Muscogiuri, Genoveffa Pizza, Paola Razzore, Laura Rizza, Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri, Concetta Sciammarella, Giovanni Vitale, and Maria Chiara Zatelli.
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All authors have contributed equally to the conception and design of the review. MG, FDC, VG, and MR analyzed data and drafted the article. AF and AC revised the manuscript critically. All authors approved the final article.
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Gallo, M., Guarnotta, V., De Cicco, F. et al. Immune checkpoint blockade for Merkel cell carcinoma: actual findings and unanswered questions. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 145, 429–443 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-019-02839-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-019-02839-w