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NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™
Merkel Cell
Carcinoma
V.1.2010
www.nccn.org
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
NCCN Merkel Cell Carcinoma Panel Members
* Stanley J. Miller, MD/Chair
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive
Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Murad Alam, MD
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer
Center of Northwestern University
James Andersen, MD
City of Hope
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Daniel Berg, MD
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Christopher K. Bichakjian, MD
University of Michigan
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Glen Bowen, MD
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the
University of Utah
Richard T. Cheney, MD
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
L. Frank Glass, MD
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center &
Research Institute
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Kishwer S. Nehal, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Kelly C. Nelson, MD
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Thomas Olencki, DO
Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital &
Richard J. Solove Research Institute
at The Ohio State University
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‡
Clifford S. Perlis, MD, MBe
Fox Chase Cancer Center
E. William Rosenberg, MD
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/
University of Tennessee Cancer Institute
Ashok R. Shaha, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Marshall M. Urist, MD
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Linda C. Wang, MD, JD
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s
Cancer Center
John A. Zic, MD
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
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Dermatology
¶ Surgery/Surgical oncology
Otolaryngology
Pathology/Dermatopathology
† Medical oncology
§ Radiotherapy/Radiation oncology
‡ Hematology/Hematology oncology
* Writing Committee Member
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NCCN Guidelines Panel Disclosures
Roy C. Grekin, MD
UCSF Helen Diller Family
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dennis E. Hallahan, MD
Siteman Cancer Center
at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and
Washington University
School of Medicine
Anne Kessinger, MD
UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at
The Nebraska Medical Center
Nancy Y. Lee, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Nanette Liegeois, MD, PhD
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive
Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Daniel D. Lydiatt, DDS, MD
UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at
The Nebraska Medical Center
Jeff Michalski, MD, MBA
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish
Hospital and Washington University
School of Medicine
William H. Morrison, MD
The University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
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Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
Table of Contents
NCCN Merkel Cell Carcinoma Panel Members
Guidelines Index
Print the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Guidelines
Summary of Guidelines Updates
Clinical Presentation, Preliminary Workup, and Clinical Findings (MCC-1)
Primary Treatment of Clinical N0 (MCC-2)
Primary Treatment of Clinical N+ (MCC-3)
Treatment of Clinical M1(MCC-4)
Follow-up and Recurrence (MCC-5)
Principles of Radiation Therapy (MCC-A)
Principles of Excision (MCC-B)
Chemotherapy Agents (MCC-C)
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
These guidelines are a statement of evidence and consensus of the authors regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to treatment.
Any clinician seeking to apply or consult these guidelines is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical
circumstances to determine any patient's care or treatment. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network makes no representations nor warranties
of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use, or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. These
guidelines are copyrighted by National Comprehensive Cancer Network. All rights reserved. These guidelines and the illustrations herein may not
be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN. ©2010.
For help using these
documents, please click here
Discussion
References
Clinical Trials:
NCCN Categories of Evidence and
Consensus:
The
believes that the best management
for any cancer patient is in a clinical
trial. Participation in clinical trials is
especially encouraged.
To find clinical trials online at NCCN
member institutions,
All recommendations
are Category 2A unless otherwise
specified.
See
NCCN
click here:
nccn.org/clinical_trials/physician.html
NCCN Categories of Evidence
and Consensus
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
Summary of changes in the 1.2010 version of the Merkel Cell Carcinoma guidelines from the 1.2009 version include:
After “Clinical N0”: Formerly the page was separated into 3 pathways “Prior wide excision”, No prior wide excision, and “Head and Neck
cases”. The pathways have been revised into two separate pathways “Prior wide excision” and No prior wide excision” for clarity.
Footnote “i” that states, “Because of the high rate of false negativity, SLNB may not always be considered reliable in the head and neck
region. However, it may have prognostic value” is new to the page.
Footnote “f” regarding when to consider observation was revised.
Footnote “j” that states, “ In selected cases in which surgical excision is not possible, surgery is refused by the patient, or would result in
significant morbidity, radiation mono-therapy may be considered” is new to the page.
Footnote “2” is new to the page.
Footnotes “4” and “5” were revised.
Principles of Excision.
Footnote “2” that states, “If Mohs is used for MCC, a debulked specimen of the central portion of the tumor should be sent for permanent
section microstaging,” is new to the page.
Chemotherapy Agents
Disseminated disease:
The phrase “As clinical judgment indicates” was added.
“Cisplatin plus etoposide” changed to “Cisplatin ± etoposide”.
“Carboplatin plus etoposide” changed to “Carboplatin ± etoposide”.
“Topetecan has been used” changed to “Topetecan”.
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Clinical Presentation; Suspicious lesion; Second bullet: “Complete skin and regional lymph node examination” changed to “Complete skin
and lymph node examination”.
Footnote “b”:
PET changed to PET-CT. (Also for )
The sentence “It may be useful in identifying distant metastases.” was added.
Principles of Radiation Therapy
Nodal bed; No SLNB or LN Dissection: The second and third arrows regarding dosing for clinical adenopathy for head and neck/axilla groin
were combined and are now listed as “Clinically evident lymphadenopathy”.
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MCC-3
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( )
( )
( ):
MCC-1
MCC-2
MCC-A
( ):
( ):
MCC-B
MCC-C
Summary of the Guidelines updates
UPDATES
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
MCC-1
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
CLINICAL
PRESENTATION
PRELIMINARY
WORKUP
CLINICAL FINDINGS
Suspicious lesion
H&P
Complete skin
and lymph node
examination
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Biopsy
H&E
Immunopanel
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� a
�
�
Imaging studies as
clinically indicated
Consider
multidisciplinary
tumor board
consultation
b
Clinical N+
Clinical N0
Clinical M1
Merkel cell
carcinoma
See Primary and
Adjuvant Treatment
(MCC-2)
See Primary and
Adjuvant Treatment
(MCC-3)
See Treatment (MCC-4)
DIAGNOSIS ADDITIONAL
WORKUP
a
b
An appropriate immunopanel should preferably include CK-20 and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1).
Imaging (CT, MR, or PET-CT) may be indicated to evaluate for the possibility of a skin metastasis from a noncutaneous primary neuroendocrine
carcinoma (eg, small cell lung cancer), especially in cases where CK-20 is negative. It may be useful in identifying distant metastases.
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
MCC-2
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
Clinical
N0
Prior wide
local excisionc
No prior wide
local excision
Sentinel lymph
node
biopsy with
appropriate
immunopanel
(SLN)
g
h
Excisionj
Negative
margins
See
Follow-up
(MCC-5)
SLN
positive
SLN
negative
�Multidisciplinary tumor
board consultation
�
�
Node dissection and/or
radiation therapy
May consider adjuvant
chemotherapy
e,k
l,m
Radiation therapy
or
Consider observation
d,e
f
PRIMARY AND ADJUVANT TREATMENT: CLINICAL N0 DISEASE
c
l
After wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy may be considered in selected patients, although accuracy of results may be compromised, especially in non-
extremity regions.
Radiation therapy to primary site, in transit lymphatics (when feasible), and/or draining nodal basins.
Consider observation of the tumor bed, in cases where the primary tumor is small, widely excised with no other adverse risk factors.
Because of the high rate of false negativity, SLNB may not always be considered reliable in the head and neck region. However, it may have prognostic value.
d
e
f
h
i
m
g
j
The preferred treatment sequence is for the sentinel lymph node biopsy to precede the excision.
In selected cases in which complete surgical excision is not possible, surgery is refused by the patient, or would result in significant
morbidity, radiation mono-therapy may be considered
For lymph nodes that are positive only by immunohistochemical methods but not H+E, consider RT as the sole therapy to the draining nodal basin(s).
An appropriate immunopanel for SLN examination should preferably include CK-20, and pancytokeratins (AE1/AE3).
Available retrospective studies do not suggest prolonged survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy.
k
See Principles of Radiation Therapy (MCC-A)
See Chemotherapy Agents (MCC-C)
.
.
See Principles of Excision (MCC-B)
See Principles of Radiation Therapy [MCC-A])
.
( .
Radiation therapy
or
Consider observation
d,e
f
Head and
neck cases
Radiation therapy to
primary site, nodal beds
and in transit lymphatics
e
Trunk and
extremities
Consider sentinel
lymph node (SLN)
biopsy with
appropriate
immunopanel
g,i
h
Excisionj
SLN
Biopsy
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
MCC-3
�
�
�
Multidisciplinary tumor
board consultation
Node dissection and/or
radiation therapy
May consider adjuvant
chemotherapy
e
l,m
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
Clinical N+
�
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FNA
Immunopanelh
M0
M1 See Treatment of M1 disease (MCC-4)
FNA
Negative
Open
biopsy
Biopsy
positive
Biopsy
negative
Follow appropriate Clinical N0 pathway (MCC-2)
PRIMARY AND ADJUVANT TREATMENT: CLINICAL N+ DISEASE
e
h
n
An appropriate immunopanel for LN examination should preferably include CK-20 and pancytokeratins (AE1/AE3).
Available retrospective studies do not suggest prolonged survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Imaging (CT, MR, or PET-CT) may be indicated to evaluate extent of lymph node and/or visceral organ involvement.
l
m
See Principles of Radiation Therapy (MCC-A)
See Chemotherapy Agents (MCC-C)
.
.
See Follow-up
(MCC-5)
Imaging studies as
clinically indicated
n
FNA
Positive
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
MCC-4
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
Clinical M1
Multidisciplinary tumor
board consultation
TREATMENT: CLINICAL M1 DISEASE
See Follow-up (MCC-5)
Best supportive care
Consider any of the following
therapies or combinations of:
Chemotherapy
and
�
�
�
Surgery
Radiation therapye
l
(See NCCN Palliative Care Guideline)
e
l .
See Principles of Radiation Therapy (MCC-A).
See Chemotherapy Agents (MCC-C)
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
MCC-5
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
Recurrence
Local
Regional
Disseminated
Individualized
treatment
Individualized
treatment
See Clinical M1
(MCC-4)
FOLLOW-UP RECURRENCE
�
�
�
Every 1-3 mo for year 1
Every 3-6 mo for year 2
Annually thereafter
Physical exam including
complete skin and regional
lymph node exam
�
� Imaging studies as
clinically indicated
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION THERAPY
MCC-A
�
�
�
All doses at 2 Gy/day standard fractionation. Bolus is used to achieve adequate skin dose. Wide margins (5 cm) should be used, if possible, around
the primary site. If electron beam is used, an energy and isodose line (eg, 90%) should be used that will deliver adequate lateral and deep margins.
Extremity and torso MCC: After negative SLNB and wide local excision (WLE), in most instances, radiation therapy is given to the primary site only.
SLNB dictates the need for regional irradiation. If SLNB is negative, then regional nodal basins can be observed. If SLNB is not performed,
consider irradiating nodal beds for subclinical disease. Irradiation of in transit lymphatics is often not feasible unless the primary site is in close
proximity to the nodal bed.
Head and neck MCC: Risk of false negative sentinel node biopsy is higher, due to aberrant lymph node drainage and frequent presence of multiple
sentinel node basins. The radiation field to treat the primary site is often overlying the draining lymph node beds. Treatment options for clinically
node negative MCC of the head and neck include:
Perform SLNB and WLE. If SLNB is negative, options are to irradiate the primary site nodal beds and in-transit lymphatics or observe.
OR
Perform WLE without performing SLNB and irradiate the primary tumor site, in-transit lymphatics and regional nodal sites.
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�
±
1Lymph node dissection is the recommended initial therapy for clinically evident
adenopathy in the axilla or groin, followed by postoperative radiation if indicated.
Shrinking field technique.2
3Consider RT when there is a potential for anatomic (eg, previous history of surgery
including WLE), operator, or histologic failure (eg, failure to perform appropriate
immunohistochemistry on SLNs) that may lead to a false negative SLNB.
Dose recommendations for radiation therapy:
Primary Site:
Negative resection margins 50-56 Gy
Microscopic (+) resection margins 56-60 Gy
Gross (+) resection margins or unresectable 60-66 Gy
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�
�After SLNB without LN Dissection
�
�
�
�
Negative SLN biopsy: axilla or Radiation not indicated
Negative SLN biopsy: head and neck, if at risk for false negative biopsy 46-50 Gy
Microscopic N+ on SLNB: 50 Gy
Microscopic N+ on SLNB: head and neck 50-56 Gy
3
3
4
groin
axilla or groin
4
Nodal Bed:
Clinically (-) but at risk for subclinical disease 46-50 Gy
Clinically evident lymphadenopathy 60-66 Gy
�No SLNB or LN Dissection
�
�
1,2
�After LN Dissection
�
�
Lymph node dissection: axilla or groin 50-54 Gy
Lymph node dissection: head and neck 50-60 Gy
5
4
5
Microscopic N+ is defined as single node involvement that is neither palpable
clinically nor abnormal by imaging criteria which microscopically consists of small
metastatic foci without extracapsular extension. RT may be omitted after
axillary/groin LN dissection for microscopic disease.
Postoperative irradiation is indicated for multiple involved nodes or extracapsular
extension.
Version 1.2010, 03/19/10 © 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. These guidelines and this illustration may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of NCCN.
Guidelines Index
MCC Table of Contents
Discussion, ReferencesMerkel Cell Carcinoma
Practice Guidelines
in Oncology – v.1.2010NCCN
®
MCC-B
Note: All recommendations are category 2A unless otherwise indicated.
Clinical Trials: NCCN believes that the best management of any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.
PRINCIPLES OF EXCISION
Goal:
Clear surgical margins when clinically feasible.
Varied Approaches:
1-2 cm margins to investing fascia of muscle or pericranium
with clear pathologic margins, when clinically feasible.
Mohs technique
Modified Mohs = Mohs technique with additional final margin
for permanent sect