Updates for Management of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review.

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer, with increasing incidence and high mortality rates, particularly in the head and neck region.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment strategies and survival outcomes in patients with head and neck MCC, building on prior literature with an expanded dataset and inclusion of newer therapies.

METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. Inclusion criteria focused on studies published in the past 10 years reporting treatment and outcomes in MCC of the head and neck.

RESULTS: Thirty retrospective studies encompassing 16,378 patients were included, with 10 studies comparing treatment outcomes. Surgery (87%) was the most used treatment, followed by adjuvant radiation (38%) and chemotherapy (3%). Mohs micrographic surgery was associated with lower recurrence and improved outcomes in select patients. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy were reported in a minority of studies, with limited but evolving evidence of benefit when combined with standard therapies.

CONCLUSION: Surgery and adjuvant radiation remain the cornerstones of MCC management. Mohs micrographic surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy represent emerging strategies that may improve outcomes in select patient populations and warrant further study.

DOI

10.1097/DSS.0000000000004967

Publication Date

12-2-2025

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