Our team based in Seattle conducted a comprehensive review including evolving trends in the management of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This summary covers key decision points, including recommended work-up during initial diagnosis, treatment options for MCC when it’s in one place or has spread, management of recurrent MCC, and new treatments that are showing promise with fewer side effects and good results. This review gives valuable information on how to handle MCC overall and emphasizes new methods that are effective and less toxic on patients.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, low-grade sarcoma of fibroblast origin with an incidence rate of 0.8 cases per million persons each year. Although it rarely metastasizes, initial misdiagnosis, prolonged time to accurate diagnosis, and large tumor size at diagnosis are common. These updated 2007 guidelines include changes in recommendations for considering radiation therapy, as well as those regarding surgical margins in some patients.