Can Merkel cell tumor be cured?

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer. The possibility of cure depends on the early detection and treatment stage of the disease. Generally speaking, patients diagnosed early have a higher cure rate after active treatment, but advanced or metastatic Merkel cell tumors are more difficult to cure.

1.Possibility of early cure

In cases of localized Merkel cell tumors (confined to the primary site and not spread), surgical resection is the most common treatment, often supplemented by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

If the disease is completely removed and there is no spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, the patient has a higher chance of being cured. The 5annual survival rate of such patients is 65%-75%.

Radiation therapy can effectively reduce recurrence, especially for lesions that cannot be completely removed.

2.Challenges of late-stage cure

For advanced Merkel cell tumors that have spread to lymph nodes or distant organs (such as lungs, liver), the possibility of cure is significantly reduced, and the goal is usually to prolong life and improve quality of life.

Immunotherapy (such asPD-1/PD-L1inhibitors) has provided new treatment options for advanced patients in recent years, and some patients have seen their tumors shrink significantly or even disappear completely after receiving treatment.

Nonetheless, the rate of complete cure is low, and the 5 annual survival rate is usually between 15%-30%.

3.Risk of recurrence

Merkel cell tumors have a high risk of recurrence, even after complete resection. Therefore, regular follow-up is required after surgery, including physical examination and imaging examination, in order to detect possible recurrence or metastasis as early as possible.

4.The key to treatment and prognosis

Early diagnosis is the key to cure. Early detection is important for high-risk groups, such as those with weakened immune systems or those with long-term exposure to UV rays.

A combination of treatments (surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy) can significantly increase the likelihood of cure.

Merkel cell tumors are potentially curable in the early stages, but are less likely to be cured in advanced stages. With the advancement of medicine, especially the application of immunotherapy, the treatment effects of some advanced patients are gradually improving.

(Click to view an introduction to drugs for the treatment of Merkel cell tumors.)

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Reference materials

1.American Cancer Society. Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/treating.html

2.National Cancer Institute. Merkel Cell Carcinoma - Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq