Improvement in overall survival but not in MCC-specific survival was associated with radiation after resection, but the reason is not clear.
These authors analyzed the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database to assess the effect on survival of radiation therapy after surgical resection of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Of 747 patients, 343 had surgery alone and 404 had surgery plus radiation therapy. To minimize imbalance between treatment and control groups in tumor site and size, surgery of the primary site, and type of lymph node surgery among other factors, the authors used matched-pair analysis as well as propensity scoring. The analysis of 269 matched pairs of patients older than 20 years showed improved overall survival but not disease-specific survival in patients who received postoperative radiation.
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)