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Merkel cell carcinoma: What do we know about it and what should we do?

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  • Advances in Translational Oncology
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Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous carcinoma of the skin that is highly aggressive, and has a high risk of locoregional and distant spread, a mortality rate considerably higher than that of cutaneous melanoma and poor survival. Its incidence has increased during the past twenty years. The studies published since 2008 have introduced changes in the understanding of its epidemiology and pathogenesis, and consequently the therapeutic approach. Despite this, there is still controversy surrounding its optimal management, which requires clarification. This is the purpose of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiotherapy, Capio Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain

    Isabel Prieto Muñoz, Jesús Olivera Vegas & Ana M. Pérez Casas

  2. Department of Radiotherapy, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Ctra. de Valldemossa, 79, ES-07010, Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain

    José Pardo Masferrer

  3. Department of Pathology, Capio Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain

    José Ramón Fortes Alen

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  1. Isabel Prieto Muñoz
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  2. José Pardo Masferrer
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  3. Jesús Olivera Vegas
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  4. José Ramón Fortes Alen
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  5. Ana M. Pérez Casas
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Correspondence to José Pardo Masferrer.

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Muñoz, I.P., Masferrer, J.P., Vegas, J.O. et al. Merkel cell carcinoma: What do we know about it and what should we do?. Clin Transl Oncol 14, 401–412 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-012-0817-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-012-0817-z

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