Topic: ESOPRS 2021 ePoster sessions
Time: Sep 17, 2021 16:00 Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna, 15:00 London
(plain text version here)
Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid: A Retrospective Series and Literature Review
Author: Claudio Barbato
ePoster Number: 224,00
Purpose
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the eyelid is a rare neuroendocrine tumor with high mortality due to local aggressiveness and metastatic potential. This study reports clinical, immunohistochemical, and therapeutic features of eyelid MCC cases managed at a tertiary ophthalmic center, alongside a literature review.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed nine patients diagnosed with eyelid MCC at the Oculoplastic Unit, University of Naples Federico II, from January 2012 to December 2024, along with a comprehensive and detailed review of the literature.
Results
Median age at diagnosis was 71.8 years; 88.9% were female. All presented with painless, rapidly growing upper eyelid nodules. Surgical excision was performed in all cases; two patients also received adjuvant Avelumab. CK20 positivity was seen in all tumors; most were TTF-1 negative. Local recurrence occurred in 14.3%, and 42.9% developed metastases. At follow-up, 57.1% were alive, 18.6% died from other causes, and 14.4% from metastatic MCC. Notably, none of the Avelumab-treated patients relapsed.The literature review included 76 cases (61.3% female, median age 72.7 years). Recurrence and metastasis rates were 14.9% and 27%, respectively. Among 72 patients with outcome data, 66.7% were alive, 23.6% died from unrelated causes, and 9.7% from MCC. Two received immune checkpoint inhibitors: one died 10 months after multimodal therapy; the other, treated with pembrolizumab, showed tumor regression.
Conclusion
Despite its rarity, MCC should be considered in rapidly growing eyelid lesions. Early diagnosis and complete resection are key. Emerging immunotherapies offer promising survival benefits.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Diego | Strianese | AOU Federico II Napoli |
| Adriana | Iuliano | AOU Federico II Napoli |
| Vittoria | Lanni | AOU Federico II Napoli |
| Dana | Cohen | AOU Federico II Napoli |
Abstract ID: 25-192
