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Radiation Therapy (Primary and Recurrent Disease)

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Merkel Cell Carcinoma

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Abstract

Radiation therapy (RT) plays an essential role in the multimodal treatment of all stages of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In this chapter, we review the clinical and laboratory evidence demonstrating the radiosensitivity of MCC, the basis for current treatment recommendations for primary MCC, and principles for oncologic decision-making for recurrent and metastatic MCC. Case examples are presented to illustrate the role of RT in management. Evidence-based findings regarding definitive and adjuvant (postoperative) RT are discussed. Key studies are reviewed, including those that demonstrate local and regional control as well as overall survival. Finally, future directions and new techniques under development are described.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, 1600 Divisadero Street, Suite H1031, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA

    William R. Silveira & Sue S. Yom

Authors
  1. William R. Silveira
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  2. Sue S. Yom
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to William R. Silveira .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, 60611, Illinois, USA

    Murad Alam

  2. University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, Ohio, USA

    Jeremy S. Bordeaux

  3. Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, 94115, California, USA

    Siegrid S. Yu

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Silveira, W.R., Yom, S.S. (2013). Radiation Therapy (Primary and Recurrent Disease). In: Alam, M., Bordeaux, J., Yu, S. (eds) Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6608-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6608-6_9

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6607-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6608-6

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