Effectiveness and Safety of Treatments for Early‐Stage Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized and Non‐Randomized Studies

2025

Effectiveness and Safety of Treatments for Early-Stage Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Sample size: 46215 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mbous Yves Paul Vincent, Mohamed Rowida, Sambamoorthi Usha, Bharmal Murtuza, Kamal Khalid M., LeMasters Traci, Kolodney Joanna, Kelley George A.

Primary Institution: Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University

Hypothesis

The study investigates the benefits and harms of standard therapies for early-stage Merkel cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

Adjuvant radiotherapy improves survival and recurrence outcomes among early-stage Merkel cell carcinoma patients, but the safety and effectiveness of standard therapies remain poorly studied.

Supporting Evidence

Forty-nine studies representing 46,215 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
A statistically significant improvement in overall survival was observed for groups administered adjuvant radiotherapy compared to surgery only.
Both local and regional recurrence rates were not statistically significant.
Disease-free survival was significantly improved with adjuvant radiotherapy.

Takeaway

This study looked at how well different treatments work for a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. It found that adding radiation therapy after surgery can help people live longer.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies published from 1972 to 2023, focusing on overall survival and recurrence outcomes.