Factors Influencing Relapse-Free Survival in Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Limb-A Review of 60 Cases
- Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane (Australia)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney (Australia)
- Division of Oncology Statistics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane (Australia)
Purpose: Factors affecting relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the lower limb were reviewed. Methods and Materials: The records of 60 patients from 1986 to 2005 with a diagnosis of MCC of the lower limb or buttock were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were treated with curative intent with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Results: The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and RFS were 53%, 61%, and 20%, respectively. Factors influencing RFS were analyzed using univariate analysis. It appeared that recurrent disease worsened RFS (p = 0.03) and the addition of any radiotherapy improved RFS (p <0.001), as did radiotherapy to the inguinal nodes (p = 0.01) or primary site and inguinal nodes (p = 0.003). Age, surgical margins, and stage were not statistically significant. On multivariate analysis, the only significant factor was the addition of radiotherapy (hazard ratio = 0.51 p = 0.03). Conclusion: The addition of radiotherapy improves RFS compared with surgery alone. Elective treatment should be given to the inguinal nodes to reduce the risk of relapse.
- OSTI ID:
- 21372051
- Journal Information:
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Vol. 76, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.02.014; PII: S0360-3016(09)00248-X; Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; ISSN 0360-3016
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
The Essential Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Study From the Rare Cancer Network
Risk Factors for Regional Nodal Relapse in Breast Cancer Patients With One to Three Positive Axillary Nodes