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Uhara H, Kiyohara Y, Isei T, Nagase K, Kambe A, Sato M, Tanaka Y, Yamazaki N. Safety and effectiveness of avelumab in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma in general clinical practice in Japan: Post-marketing surveillance. J Dermatol 2024; 51:475-483. [PMID: 38433375 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Avelumab, a programmed cell death ligand 1 blocking antibody, was approved for its first indication in Japan in September 2017 to treat unresectable Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Given that the pivotal JAVELIN Merkel 200 study only included a few Japanese patients, this post-marketing surveillance (PMS) evaluated the safety and effectiveness outcomes of patients with MCC who received avelumab in general clinical practice in Japan. This prospective, non-comparative, multicenter PMS included data from all patients with unresectable MCC who received avelumab between November 22, 2017 (avelumab launch date) and October 31, 2019. The primary objective was to evaluate avelumab safety (i.e., adverse events [AEs], adverse drug reactions [ADRs], and ADRs of safety specifications). The secondary objective was to evaluate avelumab effectiveness (i.e., objective response rate and overall survival [OS] rate). Seventy-five evaluable patients were included, of whom 81.3% experienced AEs of any grade (57.3% experienced AEs of grade ≥ 3; 41.3% experienced AEs of grade 5) and 61.3% experienced ADRs (14.7% experienced ADRs of grade ≥ 3; no grade 5 ADRs were observed). The most common ADRs were pyrexia (18.7%), infusion related reaction (10.7%), and chills (6.7%). The most common ADRs of safety specifications were infusion reactions (any grade: n = 21 [28.0%]; grade 3 or 4: n = 3 [4.0%]), thyroid dysfunction (n = 7 [9.3%]), and hepatic function disorders (n = 4 [5.3%]). The median observation period was 51 weeks. An objective response was achieved by 34/75 patients (45.3%; complete response, 24.0%; partial response, 21.3%) and 6- and 12-month OS rates were 77.7% and 59.6%, respectively. This PMS confirmed the clinical tolerability and effectiveness of avelumab in patients with MCC, with no new safety concerns. The risk-benefit profile of avelumab was comparable with that observed in clinical trials and remains favorable for use in general clinical practice in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Uhara
- Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kiyohara
- Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital and Research Institute, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Taiki Isei
- Osaka International Cancer Institution, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kotaro Nagase
- Department of Dermatology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Anzu Kambe
- Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Masashi Sato
- Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Yutaro Tanaka
- Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
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Weilandt J, Peitsch WK. Moderne Diagnostik und Therapie des Merkelzellkarzinoms. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:1524-1548. [PMID: 38082520 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15214_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDas Merkelzellkarzinom (MCC) ist ein seltener, aggressiver Hauttumor mit epithelialer und neuroendokriner Differenzierung, dessen Inzidenz in den letzten Jahrzehnten deutlich zugenommen hat. Risikofaktoren sind fortgeschrittenes Lebensalter, heller Hauttyp, UV‐Exposition und Immunsuppression. Pathogenetisch wird ein durch das Merkelzell‐Polyomavirus (MCPyV) hervorgerufener Typ von einem UV‐induzierten Typ mit hoher Tumormutationslast unterschieden.Klinisch präsentiert sich das MCC als meist schmerzloser, schnell wachsender, rötlich‐violetter Tumor mit glänzender Oberfläche, der bevorzugt im Kopf‐Hals‐Bereich und an den distalen Extremitäten lokalisiert ist. Eine sichere Diagnose kann nur anhand histologischer und immunhistochemischer Merkmale gestellt werden. Bei Erstdiagnose weisen 20%–26% der Patienten lokoregionäre Metastasen und 8%–14% Fernmetastasen auf, weshalb eine Ausbreitungsdiagnostik unabdingbar ist. Bei fehlenden klinischen Hinweisen auf Metastasen wird eine Sentinel‐Lymphknotenbiopsie empfohlen.Wesentliche Säulen der Therapie sind die Operation, die adjuvante oder palliative Strahlentherapie und in fortgeschrittenen inoperablen Stadien die medikamentöse Tumortherapie. Die Einführung von Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren führte zu einem Paradigmenwechsel, da sich hiermit ein wesentlich langfristigeres Ansprechen und bessere Überlebensraten als mit Chemotherapie erreichen lassen. Zur Therapie des metastasierten MCC ist in Deutschland der PD‐L1‐Inhibitor Avelumab zugelassen, aber auch die PD‐1‐Antikörper Pembrolizumab und Nivolumab werden mit Erfolg eingesetzt. Adjuvante und neoadjuvante Therapiekonzepte, Immunkombinationstherapien und zielgerichtete Therapien als Monotherapie oder in Kombination mit Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren befinden sich in klinischer Prüfung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Weilandt
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Phlebologie, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke K Peitsch
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Phlebologie, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
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Weilandt J, Peitsch WK. Modern diagnostics and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:1524-1546. [PMID: 37875785 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation, the incidence of which has increased substantially during the last decades. Risk factors include advanced age, fair skin type, UV exposure, and immunosuppression. Pathogenetically, a type caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus is distinguished from a UV-induced type with a high tumor mutational burden. Clinically, MCC presents as a mostly painless, rapidly growing, reddish-violet tumor with a shiny surface, which is preferentially localized in the head-neck region and at the distal extremities. A reliable diagnosis can only be made based on histological and immunohistochemical features. At initial diagnosis, 20-26% of patients show locoregional metastases and 8-14% distant metastases, making staging examinations indispensable. If there is no clinical evidence of metastases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended. Essential columns of therapy are surgery, adjuvant or palliative radiotherapy and, in advanced inoperable stages, medicamentous tumor therapy. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to a paradigm shift, as they provide a considerably longer duration of response and better survival rates than chemotherapy. The PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab is approved for treatment of metastatic MCC in Germany, but the PD-1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab are also used with success. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment concepts, immune combination therapies and targeted therapies as monotherapy or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors are in the clinical trial phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Weilandt
- Department of Dermatology and Phlebology, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wiebke K Peitsch
- Department of Dermatology and Phlebology, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
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Pokhrel A, Wu R, Wang JC. Review of Merkel cell carcinoma with solitary pancreatic metastases mimicking primary neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023; 16:641-662. [PMID: 37421584 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) but metastases to the pancreas are very rare. There are only a few cases of isolated metastases of MCC to the pancreas. Because of this rarity, it can be wrongly diagnosed as a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas(pNET), especially the poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) subtype, in which the treatment is vastly different than that of MCC with isolated metastases of the pancreas. METHODS An electronic search of the PubMed and google scholar databases was performed to obtain the literature on MCC with pancreatic metastases, using the following search terms: Merkel cell carcinoma, pancreas, and metastases. Results are limited to the following available article types: case reports and case series. We identified 45 cases of MCC with pancreatic metastases from the PubMed and Google Scholar database search and examined their potential relevance. Only 22 cases with isolated pancreatic metastases were taken for review including one case that we encountered. RESULTS The results from our review of cases of isolated pancreatic metastases of MCC were compared to the characteristics of the poorly differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNEC). We found the following: (a) MCC with isolated pancreatic metastases occurred at an older age than PNEC and with male gender predominance (b) Most of the metastases occurred within 2 years of initial diagnosis of MCC (c) Resection of pancreatic mass was the first line treatment in case of resectable PNECs whereas resection of metastases was infrequently performed in MCC with pancreatic metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Pokhrel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Richard Wu
- Department of Pathology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jen Chin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
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Lee Boniao E, Allen RC, Sundar G. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for orbital and periorbital tumors: a major review. Orbit 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37728602 DOI: 10.1080/01676830.2023.2256848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, for patients who are poor candidates for surgery and/or radiotherapy, palliative chemotherapy is often offered but with significant toxic side effects. However, recent advancements in our understanding of tumor biology and molecular genetics have brought new understanding to the molecular pathways of certain tumors and cancers. This has ushered in a new era of precision medicine specific to a tumor or cancer treatment pathway (targeted therapy) or directed to host-tumor responses (immunotherapy). This article will focus on recent updates in the application of available targeted and immunotherapy for managing orbital and periorbital tumors and tumor-like conditions, which include cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, solitary fibrous tumor, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, orbital meningioma, neurofibromatosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, ocular adnexal lymphoma, orbital lymphatic malformation, and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Lee Boniao
- Orbit & Oculofacial Surgery, Ophthalmic Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi City, Philippines
| | - Richard C Allen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gangadhara Sundar
- Orbit & Oculofacial Surgery, Ophthalmic Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Becker JC, Ugurel S, Leiter U, Meier F, Gutzmer R, Haferkamp S, Zimmer L, Livingstone E, Eigentler TK, Hauschild A, Kiecker F, Hassel JC, Mohr P, Fluck M, Thomas I, Garzarolli M, Grimmelmann I, Drexler K, Spillner AN, Eckhardt S, Schadendorf D. Adjuvant immunotherapy with nivolumab versus observation in completely resected Merkel cell carcinoma (ADMEC-O): disease-free survival results from a randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial. Lancet 2023; 402:798-808. [PMID: 37451295 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00769-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an immunogenic but aggressive skin cancer. Even after complete resection and radiation, relapse rates are high. PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors showed clinical benefit in advanced MCC. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition in completely resected MCC (ie, a setting without an established systemic standard-of-care treatment). METHODS In this multicentre phase 2 trial, patients (any stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1) at 20 academic medical centres in Germany and the Netherlands with completely resected MCC lesions were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks for 1 year, or observation, stratified by stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer stages 1-2 vs stages 3-4), age (<65 vs ≥65 years), and sex. Landmark disease-free survival (DFS) at 12 and 24 months was the primary endpoint, assessed in the intention-to-treat populations. Overall survival and safety were secondary endpoints. This planned interim analysis was triggered when the last-patient-in was followed up for more than 1 year. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02196961) and with the EU Clinical Trials Register (2013-000043-78). FINDINGS Between Oct 1, 2014, and Aug 31, 2020, 179 patients were enrolled (116 [65%] stage 3-4, 122 [68%] ≥65 years, 111 [62%] male). Stratification factors (stage, age, sex) were balanced across the nivolumab (n=118) and internal control group (observation, n=61); adjuvant radiotherapy was more common in the control group. At a median follow-up of 24·3 months (IQR 19·2-33·4), median DFS was not reached (between-groups hazard ratio 0·58, 95% CI 0·30-1·12); DFS rates in the nivolumab group were 85% at 12 months and 84% at 24 months, and in the observation group were 77% at 12 months and 73% at 24 months. Overall survival results were not yet mature. Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 48 [42%] of 115 patients who received at least one dose of nivolumab and seven [11%] of 61 patients in the observation group. No treatment-related deaths were reported. INTERPRETATION Adjuvant therapy with nivolumab resulted in an absolute risk reduction of 9% (1-year DFS) and 10% (2-year DFS). The present interim analysis of ADMEC-O might suggest clinical use of nivolumab in this area of unmet medical need. However, overall survival events rates, with ten events in the active treatment group and six events in the half-the-size observation group, are not mature enough to draw conclusions. The explorative data of our trial support the continuation of ongoing, randomised trials in this area. ADMEC-O suggests that adjuvant immunotherapy is clinically feasible in this area of unmet medical need. FUNDING Bristol Myers Squibb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Translational Skin Cancer Research, Department of Dermatology and West German Cancer Center, University of Medicine Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Minden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haferkamp
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas K Eigentler
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Hauschild
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Felix Kiecker
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Vivantes Klinikum Berlin Neukölln, Berlin, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica C Hassel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Mohr
- Department of Dermatology, Elbe-Kliniken, Buxtehude, Germany
| | - Michael Fluck
- Department of Oncology Hornheide, Fachklinik Hornheide, Münster, Germany
| | - Ioannis Thomas
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marlene Garzarolli
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Imke Grimmelmann
- Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Konstantin Drexler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Gambichler T, Majchrzak-Stiller B, Peters I, Becker JC, Strotmann J, Abu Rached N, Müller T, Uhl W, Buchholz M, Braumann C. The effect of GP-2250 on cultured virus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma cells: preliminary results. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:10831-10840. [PMID: 37311987 PMCID: PMC10423113 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04960-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even in the novel immunotherapy era, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) remains challenging in its treatment. Apart from Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) associated MCC, this cancer is linked in about 20% of cases to ultraviolet-induced mutational burden frequently causing aberrations in Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathways. The recently developed agent GP-2250 is capable to inhibit growth of cells of different cancers, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of GP-2250 on MCPyV-negative MCC cells. METHODS Methods We employed three cell lines (MCC13, MCC14.2, MCC26) which were exposed to different GP-2250doses. GP-2250's effects on cell viability, proliferation, and migration were evaluated by means of MTT, BrdU, and scratch assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed for the evaluation of apoptosis and necrosis. Western blotting was implemented for the determination of AKT, mTOR, STAT3, and Notch1 protein expression. RESULTS Cell viability, proliferation, and migration decreased with increasing GP-2250 doses. Flow cytometry revealed a dose response to GP-2250 in all three MCC cell lines. While the viable fraction decreased, the share of necrotic and in a smaller amount the apoptotic cells increased. Regarding Notch1, AKT, mTOR, and STAT3 expression a comparatively time- and dose-dependent decrease of protein expression in the MCC13 and MCC26 cell lines was observed. By contrast, Notch1, AKT, mTOR, and STAT3 expression in MCC14.2 was scarcely altered or even increased by the three dosages of GP-2250 applied. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates GP-2250 having anti-neoplastic effects in MCPyV-negative tumor cells in regard to viability, proliferation, and migration. Moreover, the substance is capable of downregulating protein expression of aberrant tumorigenic pathways in MCPyV-negative MCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Skin Cancer Center Ruhr-University, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Britta Majchrzak-Stiller
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ilka Peters
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Department of Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johanna Strotmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nessr Abu Rached
- Skin Cancer Center Ruhr-University, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Waldemar Uhl
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Marie Buchholz
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Chris Braumann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Evangelische Kliniken Gelsenkirchen, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, 45878 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
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Salemi F, Mortazavizadeh SMR, Zahir ST, Shahrokh S. Near missed diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma in a young immunocompetent woman with a recurrent left-arm mass: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7587. [PMID: 37496880 PMCID: PMC10366346 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine cancer that primarily affects the elderly, Caucasians, and the immunocompromised. We present a rare case of an immunocompetent young Iranian (non-Caucasian) female with a small nodule on her left arm. The lesion was initially misdiagnosed as an infected cyst and was treated with antibiotics for 20 days before being surgically removed. Unfortunately, the lump regrew rapidly 2 weeks later, when she had a biopsy, which revealed stage III MCC. She was then treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy after a thorough surgical resection of the tumor. Despite the fact that she was in remission after completing chemotherapy courses, she developed neutropenic fever, sepsis and died from septic shock. This case emphasizes the necessity of early clinical diagnosis of MCC and obtaining a biopsy with histopathologic evaluation of rapidly evolving skin lesions suggestive of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Salemi
- School of MedicineIslamic Azad University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | | | | | - Soroush Shahrokh
- Internal Medicine Residency Program: HCA Houston HealthcareUniversity of Houston College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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Sergi MC, Lauricella E, Porta C, Tucci M, Cives M. An update on Merkel cell carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188880. [PMID: 36914034 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cancer of the skin characterized by a neuroendocrine phenotype and an aggressive clinical behavior. It frequently originates in sun-exposed body areas, and its incidence has steadily increased in the last three decades. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure are the main causative agents of MCC, and distinct molecular features have been documented in virus-positive and virus-negative malignancies. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for localized tumors, but even when integrated with adjuvant radiotherapy is able to definitively cure only a fraction of MCC patients. While characterized by a high objective response rate, chemotherapy is associated with a short-lasting benefit of approximately 3 months. On the other hand, immune checkpoint inhibitors including avelumab and pembrolizumab have demonstrated durable antitumor activity in patients with stage IV MCC, and investigations on their use in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting are currently underway. Addressing the needs of those patients who do not persistently benefit from immunotherapy is currently one of the most compelling unmet needs in the field, and multiple clinical trials of new tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), therapeutic vaccines, immunocytokines as well as innovative forms of adoptive cellular immunotherapies are under clinical scrutiny at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Sergi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lauricella
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Tucci
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Cives
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy; Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Becker JC, Beer AJ, DeTemple VK, Eigentler T, Flaig MJ, Gambichler T, Grabbe S, Höller U, Klumpp B, Lang S, Pföhler C, Posch C, Prasad V, Schlattmann P, Schneider-Burrus S, Ter-Nedden J, Terheyden P, Thoms K, Vordermark D, Ugurel S. S2k-Leitlinie - Merkelzellkarzinom - Update 2022. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:305-317. [PMID: 36929546 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14930_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), Deutsches Konsortium für translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort Essen, Klinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg
| | | | - Viola K DeTemple
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie, Allergologie und Phlebologie, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin
| | - Michael J Flaig
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum
| | | | | | | | - Stephan Lang
- Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik am Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar
| | - Christian Posch
- Hautklinik Campus Biederstein, Technische Universität München
| | - Vikas Prasad
- Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Ulm
| | | | | | | | - Patrick Terheyden
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck
| | - Kai Thoms
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen
| | - Dirk Vordermark
- Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Halle
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen
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11
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Becker JC, Beer AJ, DeTemple VK, Eigentler T, Flaig M, Gambichler T, Grabbe S, Höller U, Klumpp B, Lang S, Pföhler C, Posch C, Prasad V, Schlattmann P, Schneider-Burrus S, Ter-Nedden J, Terheyden P, Thoms K, Vordermark D, Ugurel S. S2k Guideline - Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin) - Update 2022. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:305-320. [PMID: 36929552 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC, ICD-O M8247/3) is a rare, malignant, primary skin tumor with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation. The tumor cells share many morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features with cutaneous Merkel cells. Nevertheless, the cell of origin of MCC is unclear. MCC appears clinically as a reddish to purple spherical tumor with a smooth, shiny surface and a soft to turgid, elastic consistency, usually showing rapid growth. Spontaneous and often complete regressions of the tumor are observed. These likely immunologically-mediated regressions explain the cases in which only lymph node or distant metastases are found at the time of initial diagnosis and why the tumor responds very well to immunomodulatory therapies even at advanced stages. Due to its aggressiveness, the usually given indication for sentinel lymph node biopsy, the indication of adjuvant therapies to be evaluated, as well as the complexity of the necessary diagnostics, clinical management should already be determined by an interdisciplinary tumor board at the time of initial diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), Deutsches Konsortium für translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort Essen, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg
| | - Ambros J Beer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Ulm
| | - Viola K DeTemple
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology and Phlebology, Johannes Wesling Klinikum, Minden
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Berlin
| | - Michael Flaig
- Department and Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, LMU Klinikum Munich
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr University Bochum
| | | | | | | | - Stephan Lang
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine, University Hospital Essen
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Saarland, Homburg/Saar
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology Campus Biederstein, Technical University Munich
| | - Vikas Prasad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Ulm
| | | | | | - Jan Ter-Nedden
- Professional Association of German Dermatologists, Hamburg
| | - Patrick Terheyden
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck
| | - Kai Thoms
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen
| | | | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen
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12
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Scampa M, Kalbermatten DF, Oranges CM. Demographic and Clinicopathological Factors as Predictors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051813. [PMID: 36902599 PMCID: PMC10002588 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive malignant skin tumor with high recurrence and low survival. Lymph nodal metastases are associated with a worse overall prognosis. Our aim was to assess how lymph node procedures and positivity are influenced by demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database was searched for all cases of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin between 2000 and 2019. Univariable analysis was conducted using the chi-squared test with the aim of identifying differences in lymph node procedures and lymph node positivity for each variable. We identified 9182 patients, of which 3139 had sentinel lymph node biopsy/sampling, and 1072 had therapeutic lymph node dissection. Increasing age, increasing tumor size, and truncal location were associated with higher positive lymph node rates.
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13
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Schultz E. [Merkel Cell Carcinoma]. Laryngorhinootologie 2023. [PMID: 36693386 DOI: 10.1055/a-1949-3751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma represents a neuroendocrine tumour which can grow rapidly and metastasizes early. The median age of patients is 75-80 years. Given the continuously rising population age Merkel cell carcinoma is diagnosed more often. Besides surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy immunooncology plays an important role in the treatment of this aggressive tumour.
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Gambichler T, Brüggestrat LG, Skrygan M, Scheel CH, Susok L, Becker JC. The Antineoplastic Effect of Dimethyl Fumarate on Virus-Negative Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines: Preliminary Results. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020547. [PMID: 36672496 PMCID: PMC9857057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, difficult-to-treat skin cancer once immunotherapy has failed. MCC is associated either with the clonal integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) or mutagenic UV-radiation. Fumaric acid esters, including dimethyl fumarate (DMF), have been shown to inhibit cell growth in cutaneous melanoma and lymphoma. We aimed to explore the effects of DMF on MCPyV-negative MCC cell lines. Three MCC cell lines (MCC13, MCC14.2, and MCC26) were treated with different doses of DMF. The cytotoxic effects and cell proliferation were assessed by the MTT cytotoxicity assay and BrdU proliferation assay at different time points. A significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation were demonstrated for all the cell lines used, with DMF proving to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Lyn G. Brüggestrat
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Marina Skrygan
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christina H. Scheel
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Laura Susok
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen, Düsseldorf, Department of Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Zaggana E, Konstantinou MP, Krasagakis GH, de Bree E, Kalpakis K, Mavroudis D, Krasagakis K. Merkel Cell Carcinoma-Update on Diagnosis, Management and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010103. [PMID: 36612102 PMCID: PMC9817518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
MCC is a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer. The identification of the driving role of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and ultraviolet-induced DNA damage in the oncogenesis of MCC allowed a better understanding of its biological behavior. The presence of MCPyV-specific T cells and lymphocytes exhibiting an 'exhausted' phenotype in the tumor microenvironment along with the high prevalence of immunosuppression among affected patients are strong indicators of the immunogenic properties of MCC. The use of immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of patients with advanced MCC with anti-PD-1/PD L1 blockade, providing objective responses in as much as 50-70% of cases when used in first-line treatment. However, acquired resistance or contraindication to immune checkpoint inhibitors can be an issue for a non-negligible number of patients and novel therapeutic strategies are warranted. This review will focus on current management guidelines for MCC and future therapeutic perspectives for advanced disease with an emphasis on molecular pathways, targeted therapies, and immune-based strategies. These new therapies alone or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors could enhance immune responses against tumor cells and overcome acquired resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Zaggana
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Polina Konstantinou
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-3925-82; Fax: +30-2810-5420-85
| | | | - Eelco de Bree
- Medical School, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kalpakis
- Medical School, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mavroudis
- Medical School, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Krasagakis
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
- Medical School, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
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16
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Zhang C, Zhu X, Hou S, Pan W, Liao W. Functionalization of Nanomaterials for Skin Cancer Theranostics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:887548. [PMID: 35557870 PMCID: PMC9086318 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.887548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer has drawn attention for the increasing incident rates and high morbidity worldwide. Timely diagnosis and efficient treatment are of paramount importance for prompt and effective therapy. Thus, the development of novel skin cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies is of great significance for both fundamental research and clinical practice. Recently, the emerging field of nanotechnology has profoundly impact on early diagnosis and better treatment planning of skin cancer. In this review, we will discuss the current encouraging advances in functional nanomaterials for skin cancer theranostics. Challenges in the field and safety concerns of nanomaterials will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinlin Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuming Hou
- Orthopaedic Oncology Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wanqing Liao, ; Weihua Pan,
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wanqing Liao, ; Weihua Pan,
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17
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Abstract
ZusammenfassungDas Merkelzellkarzinom ist ein aggressiver neuroendokriner Tumor, welcher durch schnelles Wachstum und frühzeitige Metastasierung charakterisiert ist. Das mediane Erkrankungsalter liegt zwischen 75–80 Jahren. Mit Zunahme des durchschnittlichen Bevölkerungsalters tritt der einstmals seltene Tumor immer häufiger auf. Neben den klassischen Therapiesäulen Chirurgie, Strahlentherapie und Chemotherapie spielt die Immunonkologie auch beim Merkelzellkarzinom eine zunehmend wichtige Rolle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin S. Schultz
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Klinikum Nürnberg – Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Nürnberg
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18
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Akaike T, Nghiem P. Scientific and clinical developments in Merkel cell carcinoma: A polyomavirus-driven, often-lethal skin cancer. J Dermatol Sci 2022; 105:2-10. [PMID: 34836718 PMCID: PMC8810602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a primary neuroendocrine skin cancer that recurs in ~40% of cases. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and ultraviolet (UV)-induced mutations are two major causative factors of MCC. Virus-positive MCCs express polyomavirus oncoproteins that are highly immunogenic yet are required for ongoing tumor growth. Virus-negative MCCs have a high burden of UV-DNA mutations that encode tumor-specific UV-neoantigens. Thus, both UV- and virus-induced MCCs are highly immunogenic, enabling diverse T-cell targeted therapies. Optimal MCC management is challenging given its rarity, aggressive nature, rapidly evolving care guidelines, and fundamental differences in management compared to other skin cancers. MCC is often managed aggressively with extensive surgery, radiotherapy or systemic therapy, frequently leading to toxicities that might have been avoidable while still achieving optimal disease control. Thus, multi-disciplinary care is crucial for providing patients with the best possible outcomes. The outlook for many patients with advanced MCC has progressed remarkably over the past decade due to PD-1 pathway blocking agents that provide durable benefit for a substantial subset of MCC patients. The management of early-stage MCC has also improved due to better approaches to integrate surgery and radiotherapy. Prognostic accuracy and ongoing surveillance have advanced due to stage-specific recurrence data and sophisticated "liquid biopsies" that allow early detection of disease recurrence. Here we summarize both recent striking progress and pressing challenges such as PD-(L)1-refractory MCC, and management of MCC patients with immune dysfunction. We also highlight diverse resources to allow providers to take advantage of recent progress in this fast-moving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Akaike
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, USA; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA.
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19
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Hernandez LE, Mohsin N, Yaghi M, Frech F, Dreyfuss I, Nouri K. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: An updated review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options. Dermatol Ther 2021; 35:e15292. [PMID: 34967084 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma that typically appears in sun-exposed areas of the elderly. It has a poor prognosis and with its incidence projected to increase, it is vital for dermatologists to remain up to date with recent updates in this malignancy's pathogenesis and treatment. In the past few decades Merkel cell carcinoma's pathogenesis, more specifically its relation to the Merkel cell polyomavirus, has sparked further interest in the study of this carcinoma. Most cases are attributed to malignant transformation secondary to the Merkel cell polyomavirus, with a minority derived from DNA damage resulting from ultraviolet radiation. Investigators have also determined that there are immunologic influences in the development and prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma, as individuals with HIV, solid organ transplants, and lymphoproliferative malignancies are at a greater risk of developing this carcinoma. Also, this immunologic link carries treatment value, as immunologic therapies are currently being investigated. This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Merkel cell carcinoma as well as the current treatments available and clinical trials underway. We also touch upon the updated National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology in respect to its diagnosis and recommended treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren E Hernandez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Noreen Mohsin
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Marita Yaghi
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, USA
| | - Fabio Frech
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Isabella Dreyfuss
- Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Keyvan Nouri
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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20
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D'Angelo SP, Bhatia S, Brohl AS, Hamid O, Mehnert JM, Terheyden P, Shih KC, Brownell I, Lebbé C, Lewis KD, Linette GP, Milella M, Xiong H, Guezel G, Nghiem PT. Avelumab in patients with previously treated metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (JAVELIN Merkel 200): updated overall survival data after >5 years of follow-up. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100290. [PMID: 34715570 PMCID: PMC8564559 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that has a poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease. Avelumab [anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)] became the first approved treatment for patients with metastatic MCC (mMCC), based on efficacy and safety data observed in the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. We report long-term overall survival (OS) data after >5 years of follow-up from the cohort of patients with mMCC whose disease had progressed after one or more prior lines of chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS In Part A of the single-arm, open-label, phase II JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial, patients with mMCC that had progressed following one or more prior lines of chemotherapy received avelumab 10 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks until confirmed disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. In this analysis, long-term OS was analyzed. RESULTS In total, 88 patients were treated with avelumab. At data cut-off (25 September 2020), median follow-up was 65.1 months (range 60.8-74.1 months). One patient (1.1%) remained on treatment, and an additional patient (1.1%) had reinitiated avelumab after previously discontinuing treatment. Median OS was 12.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5-17.1 months], with a 5-year OS rate of 26% (95% CI 17% to 36%). In patients with PD-L1+ versus PD-L1- tumors, median OS was 12.9 months (95% CI 8.7-29.6 months) versus 7.3 months (95% CI 3.4-14.0 months), and the 5-year OS rate was 28% (95% CI 17% to 40%) versus 19% (95% CI 5% to 40%), respectively (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.36-1.25). CONCLUSION Avelumab monotherapy resulted in meaningful long-term OS in patients with mMCC whose disease had progressed following chemotherapy. These results further support the role of avelumab as a standard of care for patients with mMCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P D'Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA.
| | - S Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, USA
| | - A S Brohl
- Sarcoma Department and Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA
| | - O Hamid
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, USA
| | - J M Mehnert
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
| | - P Terheyden
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - K C Shih
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, USA
| | - I Brownell
- Dermatology Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - C Lebbé
- Université de Paris, INSERM U976, Paris, France; Dermatology and CIC, AP-HP, Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - K D Lewis
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | - G P Linette
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - M Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust (AOUI Verona), Verona, Italy
| | - H Xiong
- Biostatistics, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - G Guezel
- Clinical Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - P T Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center at South Lake Union, Seattle, USA
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21
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Vayntraub A, Tayeb N, Squires B, Mehnert JM, Hassan Ii Q, Sebastian NT, Deryaniyagala R, Quinn TJ. The Association of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy on Overall Survival in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis. Cureus 2021; 13:e18276. [PMID: 34722054 PMCID: PMC8545516 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose/objective(s) Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive cutaneous neoplasm traditionally managed with surgical resection followed by radiotherapy (RT). With the recent approval of checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy is less commonly utilized. We analyzed the impact of RT and chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) in patients with MCC using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), a population-level database. Materials and methods We performed retrospective analyses on SEER 18 Custom Data registries for MCC (ICD-0-3 8247). Data from 1980 to 2016 was queried for analysis, and an initial list of 9,792 patients was populated (ICD: C00, C07.9, C44, C80.9). Selection for cases with chemotherapy and RT status, single primary tumor, primary tumor location and surgery treatment type yielded 5,002 cases for analysis. Baseline characteristics were compared with Chi-square or Mann-Whitney U test. Univariate and multivariable analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling were performed. Propensity-score matched analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to account for indication bias. Results Median follow-up time was 178 months (68 to 217 months). Independent prognostic factors positively correlated with increased OS, for both unadjusted Multivariate analysis and IPTW adjusted MVA were age, male sex, year of diagnosis, stage, RT status, and chemotherapy status. On adjusted MVA, use of chemotherapy was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio: 1.22 [95% CI 1.1-1.35], p<0.001), whereas RT was associated with improved OS (HR:0.9 [95% CI, 0.83-0.97], p=0.008). Conclusions The current study demonstrates that RT is associated with improved survival for patients with MCC. Chemotherapy was associated with worse OS. This supports the recent clinical shift towards immune checkpoints inhibitors as standard of care in the metastatic setting, and promising trials in the adjuvant and advanced settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine Tayeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, USA
| | - Bryan Squires
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, USA
| | - Janice M Mehnert
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Quais Hassan Ii
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, USA
| | - Nikhil T Sebastian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Thomas J Quinn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, USA
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22
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Bhanegaonkar A, Liu FX, Boyd M, Fulcher N, Kim R, Krulewicz S, Smith J, Cowey CL. Real-World Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treated in U.S. Oncology Clinical Practices: Results from SPEAR-Merkel. Oncologist 2021; 26:e1633-e1643. [PMID: 34101298 PMCID: PMC8417847 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy (IO) has been associated with improved outcomes in patients with locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (laMCC) and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC). The primary objective of SPEAR-Merkel was to explore treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, and health care resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with laMCC or mMCC initiating first-line (1L) treatment with avelumab, non-avelumab IO, or chemotherapy in a U.S. community oncology setting. METHODS Adult patients with laMCC or mMCC initiating 1L avelumab, non-avelumab IO, or chemotherapy from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2019, were identified from the U.S. Oncology Network electronic health care record database and followed up through September 30, 2019. Baseline characteristics and HCRU were analyzed descriptively, including physician-stated overall response rate in the real-world clinical setting. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to measure duration of response, real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Among the overall population (n = 94), 28 received 1L avelumab (9 laMCC, 19 mMCC), 26 received 1L non-avelumab IO (8 laMCC, 18 mMCC), and 40 received 1L chemotherapy (10 laMCC, 30 mMCC). The real-world overall response rate was 64.3%, 61.5%, and 42.5%, respectively. From 1L treatment initiation, median rwPFS was 11.4, 8.1, and 6.1 months, and median OS was 20.2 months, not reached, and 14.7 months for the respective cohorts. CONCLUSION SPEAR-Merkel showed that patients with laMCC or mMCC treated with IO had improved outcomes compared with chemotherapy in clinical practice. The study provides insight on utilization and clinical outcomes associated with newer, more innovative therapies in clinical practice, which may help clinicians understand the variety of newer treatment options for both laMCC and mMCC. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE To the authors' knowledge, SPEAR-Merkel is the first study to evaluate real-world clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (laMCC) and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) receiving first-line (1L) avelumab, non-avelumab immuno-oncology therapies, or chemotherapy in a real-world setting. SPEAR-Merkel showed clinical benefit for immuno-oncology therapies compared with chemotherapy. The study provides insight on uses and clinical outcomes associated with innovative therapies in clinical practice, which may help clinicians understand the variety of newer treatment options for both laMCC and mMCC. The study is of particular importance as it shows that chemotherapy is still being used as 1L treatment despite its inferior clinical and safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijeet Bhanegaonkar
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, Massachusetts, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Frank X Liu
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, Massachusetts, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Marley Boyd
- McKesson Life Sciences, The Woodlands, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jodi Smith
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, Massachusetts, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - C Lance Cowey
- U.S. Oncology Network, McKesson Life Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
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23
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D'Angelo SP, Bhatia S, Brohl AS, Hamid O, Mehnert JM, Terheyden P, Shih KC, Brownell I, Lebbé C, Lewis KD, Linette GP, Milella M, Georges S, Shah P, Ellers-Lenz B, Bajars M, Güzel G, Nghiem PT. Avelumab in patients with previously treated metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma: long-term data and biomarker analyses from the single-arm phase 2 JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000674. [PMID: 32414862 PMCID: PMC7239697 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer associated with a high
risk of metastasis. In 2017, avelumab (anti–programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1))
became the first approved treatment for patients with metastatic MCC (mMCC), based on
the occurrence of durable responses in a subset of patients. Here, we report long-term
efficacy and safety data and exploratory biomarker analyses in patients with mMCC
treated with avelumab. Methods In a cohort of this single-arm, phase 2 trial (JAVELIN Merkel 200), patients with mMCC
and disease progression after prior chemotherapy received avelumab 10 mg/kg
intravenously every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate
(ORR) by independent review per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1.
Other assessments included duration of response, progression-free survival, overall
survival (OS), safety and biomarker analyses. Results As of 14 September 2018, 88 patients had been followed up for a median of 40.8 months
(range 36.4–49.7 months). The ORR was 33.0% (95% CI 23.3% to
43.8%), including a complete response in 11.4% (10 patients), and the
median duration of response was 40.5 months (95% CI 18.0 months to not
estimable). As of 2 May 2019 (≥44 months of follow-up), the median OS was 12.6
months (95% CI 7.5 to 17.1 months) and the 42-month OS rate was 31%
(95% CI 22% to 41%). Of long-term survivors (OS >36 months)
evaluable for PD-L1 expression status (n=22), 81.8% had PD-L1+ tumors. In
exploratory biomarker analyses, high tumor mutational burden (≥2 non-synonymous
somatic variants per megabase) and high major histocompatibility complex class I
expression (30% of tumors with highest expression) were associated with trends
for improved ORR and OS. In long-term safety assessments (≥36 months of
follow-up), no new or unexpected adverse events were reported, and no treatment-related
deaths occurred. Conclusions Avelumab showed continued durable responses and meaningful long-term survival outcomes
in patients with mMCC, reinforcing avelumab as a standard-of-care treatment option for
this disease. Trial registration number NCT02155647
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra P D'Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew S Brohl
- Sarcoma Department and Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Omid Hamid
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Janice M Mehnert
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Kent C Shih
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Celeste Lebbé
- Dermatologie, Université de Paris, INSERM U976, Paris, France.,Dermatology and CIC, AP-HP, Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Karl D Lewis
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Gerald P Linette
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michele Milella
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Georges
- Clinical Biomarkers and Companion Diagnostics, Department of Translational Medicine, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Parantu Shah
- Bioinformatics, Department of Translational Medicine, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Marcis Bajars
- Clinical Development, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Paul T Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center at South Lake Union, Seattle, Washington, USA
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24
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Gambichler T, Abu Rached N, Tannapfel A, Becker JC, Vogt M, Skrygan M, Wieland U, Silling S, Susok L, Stücker M, Meyer T, Stockfleth E, Junker K, Käfferlein HU, Brüning T, Lang K. Expression of Mismatch Repair Proteins in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112524. [PMID: 34063983 PMCID: PMC8196722 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly malignant skin cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation. About 80% are Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) positive. The aim of this work was to immunohistochemically investigate the expression of mismatch repair proteins (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2) in MCC (n = 56). In a second step, tumors with a low expression were tested for microsatellite instability. Microsatellite instability in MCC could have an impact on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) outcome. This study showed a significant association between low expression of mismatch repair proteins and a negative MCPyV status. Microsatellite instability was detected in only one case. Future studies will establish whether this subset of MCC patients respond better to ICI. Abstract We aimed to assess for the first time the mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Immunohistochemistry was performed for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 on patients’ tumor tissue (n = 56), including neighbored healthy control tissue. In cases with low-level MMR expression (<10th percentile), we performed multiplex PCR in combination with high-resolution capillary electrophoresis in order to confirm microsatellite instability (MSI). Microscopic evaluation revealed a high median expression for all MMR proteins studied (91.6–96.3%). However, six patients (56/10.7%) had low-level MLH1 expression, six (55/10.9%) had low-level MSH2 expression, five (56/8.9%) had low-level MSH6 expression, and six (54/11.1%) had low-level PMS2 expression. Together, we observed nine (56/16.1%) patients who had low-level MMR expression of at least one protein. Of the patients with low-level MMR expression, MSI evaluation was possible in five cases, revealing one case with high-level MSI. In all MMR proteins assessed, low-level expression was significantly (p = 0.0004 to p < 0.0001) associated with a negative Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) status. However, the expression profiles of the MMR proteins did not correlate with clinical outcome measures such as disease relapse or death (p > 0.05). MCC appears to be a malignancy characterized by low-level MMR rather than completely deficient MMR in a subset of cases, predominantly affecting MCPyV-negative tumors. Future studies will establish whether this subset of MCC patients respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.S.); (T.M.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (N.A.R.); Tel.: +49-234-509-6073 (N.A.R.)
| | - Nessr Abu Rached
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.S.); (T.M.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (N.A.R.); Tel.: +49-234-509-6073 (N.A.R.)
| | - Andrea Tannapfel
- Institute of Pathology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany; (A.T.); (M.V.)
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Department of Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Vogt
- Institute of Pathology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany; (A.T.); (M.V.)
| | - Marina Skrygan
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.S.); (T.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Ulrike Wieland
- National Reference Center for Papilloma- and Polyomaviruses, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany; (U.W.); (S.S.)
| | - Steffi Silling
- National Reference Center for Papilloma- and Polyomaviruses, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany; (U.W.); (S.S.)
| | - Laura Susok
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.S.); (T.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Markus Stücker
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.S.); (T.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.S.); (T.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Eggert Stockfleth
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (M.S.); (L.S.); (M.S.); (T.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Klaus Junker
- Department of Pathology, Klinikum Bremen-Mitte, 28205 Bremen, Germany;
| | - Heiko U. Käfferlein
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurances (IPA), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany; (H.U.K.); (T.B.); (K.L.)
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurances (IPA), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany; (H.U.K.); (T.B.); (K.L.)
| | - Kerstin Lang
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurances (IPA), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany; (H.U.K.); (T.B.); (K.L.)
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25
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Chang WC, Lin AY, Hsu JC, Wu CE, Goh C, Chou P, Kuo K, Chang A, Palencia R. A cost-utility analysis of avelumab for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in Taiwan. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 4:e1399. [PMID: 33934577 PMCID: PMC8714552 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) has traditionally been managed with palliative chemotherapy regimens or best supportive care (BSC). Avelumab, a novel anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) human monoclonal antibody for mMCC treatment, is being studied in the pivotal JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. AIM Incorporating trial results, this analysis aimed to evaluate the cost-utility of avelumab in Taiwan. METHODS AND RESULTS A de novo partitioned-survival model with three key health states related to survival (progression-free disease, progressed disease, and death) was applied in this study. The data of clinical efficacy, safety, and patient utilities were obtained from the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial, literature review, and Taiwanese clinical expert opinion. Cost-utility analysis was performed, and results were presented as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. For treatment-naïve patients, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for avelumab vs BSC and avelumab vs chemotherapy were US$44885.06 and US$42993.06 per QALY gained, respectively. As to treatment-experienced mMCC patients, avelumab was associated with ICERs of US$27243.06 (vs BSC)/US$26557.43 (vs chemotherapy) per QALY gained. All ICERs remained consistently within the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of US$53,333.33 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated avelumab to be a cost-effective treatment option for both treatment-experienced and treatment-naïve mMCC patients with very poor prognosis in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Haematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Amy Y Lin
- Merck Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan.,Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jason C Hsu
- International Ph.D. Program in Biotech and Healthcare Management, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-En Wu
- Division of Haematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Connie Goh
- Merck Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan.,Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | | - Anne Chang
- Merck Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan.,Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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26
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Zheng Y, Yu T, Mackey RH, Gayle JA, Wassel CL, Phatak H, Kim R. Clinical Outcomes, Costs, and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Patients with Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors vs Chemotherapy. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2021; 13:213-226. [PMID: 33790597 PMCID: PMC8001053 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s290768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with poor prognosis. This study compared patient characteristics, comorbidities, adverse events (AEs), treatment persistence, healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs in patients with metastatic MCC (mMCC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or recommended chemotherapy per 2018 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines. Patients and Methods A retrospective, observational study was conducted using data from 3/1/2015 through 12/31/2017 from the Premier Healthcare Database, a US hospital discharge database. The study included patients aged ≥12 years with International Classification of Diseases Codes for MCC and metastasis, categorized by their first treatment (index) during the study period (ICI or NCCN-recommended chemotherapy [chemotherapy]). Patient, hospital, and visit characteristics were assessed at the index date and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and comorbidities during a 6-month look-back period. Clinical outcomes, including AEs and treatment persistence were assessed over 90 days and HRU and costs over 180 days post-index. Results Of 75 patients with mMCC receiving ICIs (n=37) or chemotherapy (n=38), mean age was ≈73 years, and 21.3% had a history of immune-related (IR) conditions. Overall, ICI- and chemotherapy-treated patients were similar in most baseline characteristics, IR comorbidities, and CCI score. However, more ICI patients (46%) than chemotherapy patients (26%) persisted on treatment over 90-day follow-up, odds ratio (95% CI): 2.04 (0.93, 4.47), P=0.07. Over 180-day follow-up, 33% of patients had an inpatient admission with mean length of stay (LOS) ≈2 days shorter for ICI vs chemotherapy (not statistically significant). Total costs, primarily driven by pharmacy costs, were higher for ICIs than chemotherapy; other departmental costs were similar between treatment groups. Conclusion In a real-world setting, patients with mMCC receiving ICIs had higher treatment persistence over 90 days, shorter inpatient LOS and similar departmental cost (excluding pharmacy cost) than those receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, USA; An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ting Yu
- Global Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA, USA; An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Rachel H Mackey
- Premier Applied Sciences, Premier, Inc, Charlotte, NC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie A Gayle
- Premier Applied Sciences, Premier, Inc, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | | | - Hemant Phatak
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, USA; An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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27
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Franklin JM, Liaw KL, Iyasu S, Critchlow CW, Dreyer NA. Real-world evidence to support regulatory decision making: New or expanded medical product indications. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 30:685-693. [PMID: 33675248 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in utilizing real-world data (RWD) to produce real-world evidence (RWE) on the benefits and risks of medical products that could support regulatory approval decisions. The field of pharmacoepidemiology has a long history of focusing on data and evidence that would now be termed "real-world," including evidence from healthcare claims, registries, and electronic health records. However, several emerging trends over the past decade are converging to support the use of these and other RWD sources for approval decisions, and there are several recent examples and ongoing research that demonstrate how RWE may be used to support regulatory approval of new or expanded indications. The goal of this article is to review the current landscape and future directions of the use of RWE in this context. This manuscript is endorsed by the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Franklin
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kai-Li Liaw
- Center for Observational and Real-world Evidence, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Solomon Iyasu
- Center for Observational and Real-world Evidence, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Cathy W Critchlow
- Research & Development Strategy and Operations, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Nancy A Dreyer
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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28
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Cowey CL, Liu FX, Kim R, Boyd M, Fulcher N, Krulewicz S, Kasturi V, Bhanegaonkar A. Real-world clinical outcomes with first-line avelumab in locally advanced/metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in the USA: SPEAR-Merkel. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2339-2350. [PMID: 33709776 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced (la) or metastatic (m) Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) initiating first-line (1L) avelumab in a USA community oncology setting. Materials & methods: Adults with laMCC or mMCC initiating 1L avelumab were identified from The US Oncology Network electronic health record database and chart review. Results: Median overall survival and progression-free survival were not reached in laMCC (n = 9) vs 20.2 and 10.0 months in mMCC (n = 19); response rates were similar (66.7% vs 63.2%). Conclusion: This is the first study to show clinical benefit in patients with laMCC receiving 1L avelumab in a US real-world setting. Response rates in patients with mMCC were consistent with pivotal trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Lance Cowey
- Texas Oncology-Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Frank X Liu
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA 02370, USA; an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ruth Kim
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Marley Boyd
- McKesson Life Sciences, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA
| | | | | | - Vijay Kasturi
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA 02370, USA; an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Abhijeet Bhanegaonkar
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA 02370, USA; an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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29
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Feng Y, Song X, Jia R. Case Report: Favorable Response to the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Apatinib in Recurrent Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:625360. [PMID: 33747940 PMCID: PMC7966513 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.625360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As angiogenesis is an essential step in tumor growth and metastasis, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) apatinib has become a revolutionary anticancer therapy across various malignancies. However, its efficiency and safety in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are uncertain. Case presentation The current study described the case of a 91-year-old man who presented with a 3.2 × 3.0 × 2.2 cm rapidly growing, solitary tumor of the right lower eyelid. It was diagnosed as MCC pathologically. Twenty-seven days after the surgery, the patient returned to the hospital with recurrent MCC. Apatinib was then administered to this patient. The patient had a complete response (CR) to apatinib after 4.4 months of targeted therapy. Twenty-seven months of progression-free survival (PFS) was achieved with controllable treatment-related adverse events (AEs). Conclusion Treatment with apatinib demonstrated clinical benefit in our patient with recurrent MCC, highlighting its potential utility in other MCC patients. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of apatinib in MCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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30
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Chteinberg E, Wetzels S, Gerritsen W, Temmerman L, van den Oord J, Biessen E, Kurz AK, Winnepenninckx V, Zenke M, Speel EJ, Zur Hausen A. Navitoclax combined with Alpelisib effectively inhibits Merkel cell carcinoma cell growth in vitro. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920975621. [PMID: 33403016 PMCID: PMC7739210 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920975621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly malignant skin cancer. Despite major treatment improvements during the last decade, up to 50% of patients do not respond to therapy or develop recurrent disease. For these patients, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Here, we assessed the efficacy of the combination of the BCL-2 inhibitor Navitoclax and the PI3K p110α inhibitor Alpelisib in MCC cell lines. Methods: The expression of BCL-2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in MCC and MCC cell lines. Treatment with Navitoclax and Alpelisib alone and in combination was performed on four MCC cell lines. The decrease of cell viability during treatment was assessed by XTT assay and visualized for the combinations by 3D combinatorial index plotting. The increase of apoptotic cells was determined by cleaved PARP Western blotting and Annexin V staining. Results: Some 94% of MCCs and all three MCPyV-positive cell lines showed BCL-2 expression. Navitoclax monotreatment was shown to be highly effective when treating BCL-2-positive cell lines (IC50-values ranging from 96.0 to 323.0 nM). The combination of Alpelisib and Navitoclax resulted in even stronger synergistic and prolonged inhibitions of MCC cell viability through apoptosis up to 4 days. Discussion: Our results show that the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 is frequently expressed in MCC and MCC cell lines. Inhibition of BCL-2 by Navitoclax in combination with Alpelisib revealed a strong synergy and prolonged inhibition of MCC cell viability and induction of apoptosis. The combination of Navitoclax and Alpelisib is a novel potential treatment option for MCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Chteinberg
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan Wetzels
- Experimental Vascular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Gerritsen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lieve Temmerman
- Experimental Vascular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research, University of Leuven, Leuven
| | - Erik Biessen
- Experimental Vascular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Zenke
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Ernst-Jan Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6229 HX, The Netherlands
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Gambichler T, Dreißigacker M, Kasakovski D, Skrygan M, Wieland U, Silling S, Gravemeyer J, Melior A, Cherouny A, Stücker M, Stockfleth E, Sand M, Becker JC. Patched 1 expression in Merkel cell carcinoma. J Dermatol 2020; 48:64-74. [PMID: 33180347 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The relevance of Hedgehog signaling in Merkel cell carcinoma has only been addressed by a few studies with conflicting results. Thus, we aimed to establish the expression of Hedgehog signaling molecules in Merkel cell carcinoma to characterize causes of aberrant expression and to correlate these findings with the clinical course of the patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Sonic, Indian, Patched 1 (PTCH1) and Smoothened on patients' tumor tissue. Respective mRNA expression was analyzed in 10 Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. PTCH1 sequencing and DNA methylation microarray analyses were carried out on tumor tissues as well as cell lines. PTCH1 immunoreactivity in Merkel cell carcinoma was similar to that of basal cell carcinomas, which both significantly differed from PTCH1 immunoreactivity in healthy skin. Most PTCH1 mutations found were synonymous or without known functional impact. However, on average, the promoter regions of both PTCH1 were hypomethylated independently from PTCH1 gene expression or Merkel cell polyomavirus status. PTCH1 and GLI1/2/3 genes were differently expressed in different cell lines; notably, there was a significant correlation between GLI2 and PTCH1 mRNA expression. Similar to PTCH1 protein expression in patient tissues, PTCH1 gene expression in Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines is highly variable, but due to the similar methylation pattern across Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines, effects other than methylation seem to be the reason for the differential expression and PTCH1 appears to be upregulated by GLI as a classical Hedgehog target gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Max Dreißigacker
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dimitri Kasakovski
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marina Skrygan
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulrike Wieland
- National Reference Center for Papilloma- and Polyomaviruses, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Steffi Silling
- National Reference Center for Papilloma- and Polyomaviruses, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Gravemeyer
- Department of Dermatology, Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anita Melior
- Department of Dermatology, Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Cherouny
- Department of Dermatology, Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Stücker
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eggert Stockfleth
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Sand
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Marchand A, Kervarrec T, Bhatia S, Samimi M. Pembrolizumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors in locally advanced or metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma: safety and efficacy. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:1093-1106. [PMID: 33044876 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1835477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive skin cancer, mostly affecting elderly patients. Until recently, patients with advanced disease were treated with cytotoxic chemotherapies despite rapid chemoresistance and high toxicity. As with other cancers, immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), including pembrolizumab, allow durable responses with a manageable safety profile in these patients. AREAS COVERED This review describes the rationale for using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in MCC, as well as efficacy and safety results from the three open-label trials investigating pembrolizumab or other PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with advanced MCC. Real-life experience and predictive pre-treatment biomarkers are discussed to assess which patients are likely to be candidates for such strategies. Ongoing fields of research include the use of CPI in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting and combined strategies in refractory patients. Expert Opinion: CPI have become the standard of care for frontline treatment in patients with advanced MCC. Earlier introduction of CPI in the disease course, including neo-adjuvant and adjuvant settings, is likely to improve the outcomes further. Given the rarity of this cancer, we still need to harmonize efforts in order to conduct large-scale trials and efficiently identify best optimal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Marchand
- Dermatology Department, University Hospital of Tours , Tours, France
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Tours , Tours, France.,BIP (Biology of Polyomaviruses), ISP1282 INRA-University of Tours , Tours, France
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center , Seattle, Washington, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- Dermatology Department, University Hospital of Tours , Tours, France.,BIP (Biology of Polyomaviruses), ISP1282 INRA-University of Tours , Tours, France
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Munhoz RR, Cayol F, Corrales L, Gerson R, Tilli M, Barreto EO, Sánchez Castillo JO, Schmerling RA, Cinat G. Merkel cell carcinoma in Latin America: a contribution from an expanded access program for avelumab to address issues from experts' recommendations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:1031-1036. [PMID: 33104838 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02756-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive malignancy, associated with poor outcomes in patients with metastatic disease (mMCC). Management has been dramatically altered as a result of incorporating immune checkpoint blockade agents. MCC data from Latin America (LATAM) come from case-series or individual records. Regional registries are lacking. A need for better registries to improve current knowledge about MCC is highlighted. Our objectives were to describe a real-world experience with avelumab as a second-line (or first-line in unfit patients) treatment in a subset of LATAM participants enrolled in a global Expanded Access Program (EAP) for patients with mMCC, and to evaluate its contribution to the resolution of the concerns described in a recent regional experts review. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed data of LATAM participants in an avelumab EAP for mMCC treatment (NCT03089658). EAP patient had unresectable or mMCC with progressive disease after one line of chemotherapy, and were ineligible for clinical trials or unfit for chemotherapy. RESULTS 46 patients (median age: 71.6 years; 60.9% males; median treatment duration: 7.9 months) were included in the LATAM EAP. Physician-assessed objective responses were available for 19 patients. Complete response rate was 15.8% and partial response rate reached 42.1%, summarizing an objective response rate of 57.9%. Stable disease rate was 10.5%, with a disease control response of 68.4%. CONCLUSION Avelumab showed robust efficacy and a safety profile consistent with global EAP data. Results are aimed to improve current knowledge about mMCC treatment and access to immunooncologic strategies for treating LATAM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ramella Munhoz
- Sarcoma and Melanoma Group, Oncology Center and Coordinator of the Medical Oncology Fellowship Program, Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital Sirio Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Federico Cayol
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Corrales
- Hospital Clínica Bíblica, CIMCA (Centro de Investigación y Manejo del Cáncer), San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Malena Tilli
- An affiliate of Merck KGaA, Merck SA, Tronador 4890, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | - Gabriela Cinat
- Instituto de Oncología Ángel H. Roffo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Lambert J, Marrel A, D'Angelo SP, Burgess MA, Chmielowski B, Fazio N, Gambichler T, Grob JJ, Lebbé C, Robert C, Russell J, Güzel G, Bharmal M. Patient Experiences with Avelumab in Treatment-Naïve Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Longitudinal Qualitative Interview Findings from JAVELIN Merkel 200, a Registrational Clinical Trial. Patient 2020; 13:457-467. [PMID: 32472503 PMCID: PMC7340640 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Avelumab is approved for the treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis. The aim of this qualitative study embedded in a clinical trial was to explore patient experiences while receiving avelumab. METHODS All treatment-naïve patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma entering part B of the phase II, open-label, international, JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial (NCT02155647) were invited to participate in optional semi-structured phone interviews before avelumab administration (baseline) and at weeks 13 and 25. Interviews were conducted by trained professionals, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed. Key concepts identified at baseline were assessed during follow-up interviews. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients completed the baseline interview; 19 had at least one follow-up interview. Baseline interviews described the patients' challenging journeys before being correctly diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, the negative psychological burden of living with a symptomless disease and the hope for avelumab to be a successful therapy. During the trial, most patients reported an increased or continued sense of hope and willingness to fight metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. Patients who self-reported disease improvement (n = 12) also reported stability or improvement in physical well-being and ability to do daily activities, having more energy, worrying less and being optimistic. Six patients who reported their condition as stable (n = 4) or worsened (n = 3) reported a worsening of physical well-being. Nine patients reported fatigue/tiredness on the day of and after receiving avelumab. Baseline and longitudinal experiences were similar across countries. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that patients experience perceptible benefits in physical and psychological well-being following treatment success with first-line avelumab in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.
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MESH Headings
- Activities of Daily Living
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/psychology
- Female
- Health Status
- Humans
- Interviews as Topic
- Longitudinal Studies
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Grading
- Quality of Life
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Skin Neoplasms/psychology
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra P D'Angelo
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Nicola Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumours, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jean-Jacques Grob
- Department of Dermatology, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Céleste Lebbé
- Université de Paris, INSERM U976, and Dermatology and CIC, AP-HP, Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Robert
- Department of Dermatology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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Cives M, Mannavola F, Lospalluti L, Sergi MC, Cazzato G, Filoni E, Cavallo F, Giudice G, Stucci LS, Porta C, Tucci M. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Biological and Clinical Features. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5394. [PMID: 32751327 PMCID: PMC7432795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). These neoplasms are highly diverse in their clinical presentation, as well as in their biological evolution. While the deregulation of the Hedgehog pathway is commonly observed in BCC, SCC and MCC are characterized by a strikingly elevated mutational and neoantigen burden. As result of our improved understanding of the biology of non-melanoma skin cancers, innovative treatment options including inhibitors of the Hedgehog pathway and immunotherapeutic agents have been recently investigated against these malignancies, leading to their approval by regulatory authorities. Herein, we review the most relevant biological and clinical features of NMSC, focusing on innovative treatment approaches.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Carcinogenesis/genetics
- Carcinogenesis/metabolism
- Carcinogenesis/pathology
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell/surgery
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/surgery
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hedgehog Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Hedgehog Proteins/genetics
- Hedgehog Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/genetics
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Skin Neoplasms/surgery
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cives
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
- National Cancer Center, Tumori Institute Giovanni Paolo II, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Mannavola
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Lucia Lospalluti
- Section of Dermatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Chiara Sergi
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Filoni
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Giudice
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Luigia Stefania Stucci
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Camillo Porta
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Marco Tucci
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy; (M.C.); (F.M.); (M.C.S.); (E.F.); (F.C.); (L.S.S.); (C.P.)
- National Cancer Center, Tumori Institute Giovanni Paolo II, 70121 Bari, Italy
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Bullement A, Podkonjak T, Robinson MJ, Benson E, Selby R, Hatswell AJ, Shields GE. Real-world evidence use in assessments of cancer drugs by NICE. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2020; 36:1-7. [PMID: 32646531 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462320000434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish how real-world evidence (RWE) has been used to inform single technology appraisals (STAs) of cancer drugs conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). METHODS STAs published by NICE from April 2011 to October 2018 that evaluated cancer treatments were reviewed. Information regarding the use of RWE to directly inform the company-submitted cost-effectiveness analysis was extracted and categorized by topic. Summary statistics were used to describe emergent themes, and a narrative summary was provided for key case studies. RESULTS Materials for a total of 113 relevant STAs were identified and analyzed, of which nearly all (96 percent) included some form of RWE within the company-submitted cost-effectiveness analysis. The most common categories of RWE use concerned the health-related quality of life of patients (71 percent), costs (46 percent), and medical resource utilization (40 percent). While sources of RWE were routinely criticized as part of the appraisal process, we identified only two cases where the use of RWE was overtly rejected; hence, in the majority of cases, RWE was accepted in cancer drug submissions to NICE. DISCUSSION RWE has been used extensively in cancer submissions to NICE. Key criticisms of RWE in submissions to NICE are seldom regarding the use of RWE in general; instead, these are typically concerned with specific data sources and the applicability of these to the decision problem. Within an appropriate context, RWE constitutes an extremely valuable source of information to inform decision making; yet the development of best practice guidelines may improve current reporting standards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ross Selby
- Global Oncology Business Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., London, UK
| | - Anthony J Hatswell
- Delta Hat, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gemma E Shields
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Azurite Research Ltd, Sheffield, UK
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Bystrup Boyles T, Schødt M, Hendel HW, Krarup-Hansen A, Junker N. Pembrolizumab as first line treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma patients - a case series of patients with various co-morbidities. Acta Oncol 2020; 59:793-796. [PMID: 32285728 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2020.1747637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Bystrup Boyles
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mette Schødt
- Department of Radiology, Herlev Hospital University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Helle Westergren Hendel
- Department of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Herlev Hospital University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anders Krarup-Hansen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Niels Junker
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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Steven N, Lawton P, Poulsen M. Merkel Cell Carcinoma - Current Controversies and Future Directions. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 31:789-796. [PMID: 31594644 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skin malignancy. Evidence for management comes from case series and single-arm trials. Optimal outcomes require assessment of the patient in a multidisciplinary team setting. Rapid diagnosis and staging are essential for locoregional control and may reduce metastasis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) adds prognostic information. FDG-positron emission tomography has high sensitivity and specificity and affects management in a quarter of cases. Surgical excision and radiotherapy provide good locoregional control even with positive margins. Wide surgical margins are needed if adjuvant radiotherapy is not used. It is uncertain whether adjuvant radiotherapy or elective surgery for uninvolved nodes or for patients selected by positive SLNB improves survival. Total doses of 50 Gy provide high levels of control for microscopic disease but at least 60 Gy should be given for macroscopic disease. Chemotherapy can be given safely with radiotherapy, but the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy remains uncertain. Trials of adjuvant immune therapy are underway. Unresectable primaries might be controlled with radiotherapy alone or combination systemic therapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Metastatic disease often responds to chemotherapy, but the response duration can be short. Immunity is central to disease control. Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment resulted in high response rates in chemotherapy-naive patients and lower rates in chemotherapy-refractory patients. Durable responses are observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Steven
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - P Lawton
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - M Poulsen
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Sahi H, Their J, Gissler M, Koljonen V. Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Finland in 1986-2016-A Real-World Data Study. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051224. [PMID: 32414207 PMCID: PMC7281542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous carcinoma that has gained enormous interest since the discovery of Merkel cell polyoma virus, which is a causative oncogenic agent in the majority of MCC tumours. Increased research has focused on effective treatment options with immuno-oncology. In this study, we reviewed the real-world data on different treatments given to MCC patients in Finland in 1986-2016. We used the Finnish Cancer Registry database to find MCC patients and the Hospital Discharge Register and the Cause-of-Death Register to obtain treatment data. We identified 376 MCC patients and 33 different treatment entities and/or combinations of treatment. An increase was noted in the incidence of MCC since 2005. Therefore, the cohort was divided into two groups: the "early" group with time of diagnosis between years 1986 and 2004 and the "late" group with time of diagnosis between 2005 and 2016. The multitude of different treatment combinations is a relatively new phenomenon; before the year 2005, only 11 treatments or treatment combinations were used for MCC patients. Our data show that combining radiation therapy with simple excision provided a survival advantage, which was, however, lost after adjustment for stage or age. Our registry study serves as a baseline treatment efficacy comparison as we move into the age of immunotherapy in MCC. Standardizing the treatment of MCC patients in Finland requires more work on awareness and multidisciplinary co-operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helka Sahi
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, HUS Inflammation Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 160, FIN-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Jenny Their
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FIN-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland; (J.T.); (V.K.)
| | - Mika Gissler
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, FIN-00271 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FIN-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland; (J.T.); (V.K.)
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Bullement A, Willis A, Amin A, Schlichting M, Hatswell AJ, Bharmal M. Evaluation of survival extrapolation in immuno-oncology using multiple pre-planned data cuts: learnings to aid in model selection. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:103. [PMID: 32375680 PMCID: PMC7204248 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-00997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to limited duration of follow up in clinical trials of cancer treatments, estimates of lifetime survival benefits are typically derived using statistical extrapolation methods. To justify the method used, a range of approaches have been proposed including statistical goodness-of-fit tests and comparing estimates against a previous data cut (i.e. interim data collected). In this study, we extend these approaches by presenting a range of extrapolations fitted to four pre-planned data cuts from the JAVELIN Merkel 200 (JM200) trial. By comparing different estimates of survival and goodness-of-fit as JM200 data mature, we undertook an iterative process of fitting and re-fitting survival models to retrospectively identify early indications of likely long-term survival. METHODS Standard and spline-based parametric models were fitted to overall survival data from each JM200 data cut. Goodness-of-fit was determined using an assessment of the estimated hazard function, information theory-based methods and objective comparisons of estimation accuracy. Best-fitting extrapolations were compared to establish which one provided the most accurate estimation, and how statistical goodness-of-fit differed. RESULTS Spline-based models provided the closest fit to the final JM200 data cut, though all extrapolation methods based on the earliest data cut underestimated the 'true' long-term survival (difference in restricted mean survival time [RMST] at 36 months: - 1.1 to - 0.5 months). Goodness-of-fit scores illustrated that an increasingly flexible model was favored as data matured. Given an early data cut, a more flexible model better aligned with clinical expectations could be reasonably justified using a range of metrics, including RMST and goodness-of-fit scores (which were typically within a 2-point range of the statistically 'best-fitting' model). CONCLUSIONS Survival estimates from the spline-based models are more aligned with clinical expectation and provided a better fit to the JM200 data, despite not exhibiting the definitively 'best' statistical goodness-of-fit. Longer-term data are required to further validate extrapolations, though this study illustrates the importance of clinical plausibility when selecting the most appropriate model. In addition, hazard-based plots and goodness-of-fit tests from multiple data cuts present useful approaches to identify when a more flexible model may be advantageous. TRIAL REGISTRATION JAVELIN Merkel 200 was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02155647 on June 4, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anthony James Hatswell
- Delta Hat, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Murtuza Bharmal
- Oncology Brands & Life Cycle Management, Global Evidence & Value Development, EMD Serono, Inc, One Technology Place, Rockland, MA, 02370, USA.
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Abstract
Immunotherapy has led to unprecedented improvement in the treatment and prognosis of high-risk resectable and metastatic disease across cancer types. Nowhere is this better highlighted than in the management of advanced and metastatic melanoma with the introduction of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Following their success in melanoma, immunotherapies have also been evaluated and their use approved in the management across a variety of other solid malignancies in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and advanced/metastatic setting. This review provides an overview of the current landscape of immune checkpoint inhibition for solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Z Keung
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1484, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1484, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Walker JW, Lebbé C, Grignani G, Nathan P, Dirix L, Fenig E, Ascierto PA, Sandhu S, Munhoz R, Benincasa E, Flaskett S, Reed J, Engelsberg A, Hariharan S, Kasturi V. Efficacy and safety of avelumab treatment in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma: experience from a global expanded access program. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e000313. [PMID: 32269140 PMCID: PMC7252959 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avelumab, a human anti-programmed death-ligand 1 immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody, showed favorable efficacy and safety in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) in the phase II JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial, leading to approval in multiple countries. We describe real-world experience with avelumab in patients with mMCC from an expanded access program. METHODS Eligible patients had mMCC and progressive disease during or after chemotherapy or were ineligible for chemotherapy or clinical trial participation. Patients received an initial 3-month supply of avelumab (administered as 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity); resupply was allowed following complete response, partial response, stable disease, or clinical benefit per physician assessment. RESULTS Between December 15, 2015, and March 4, 2019, 558 of 620 requests from 38 countries were medically approved, and 494 patients received avelumab. Among 240 evaluable patients, the objective response rate was 46.7% (complete response in 22.9%, including 3 of 16 potentially immunocompromised patients), and the disease control rate was 71.2%. The median duration of treatment in evaluable patients with response was 7.9 months (range, 1.0-41.7) overall and 5.2 months (range, 3.0-13.9) in immunocompromised patients. No new safety signals were identified. The expanded access program closed for new requests on December 31, 2018, as required after regulatory approval; benefitting patients continued to receive avelumab. CONCLUSIONS The avelumab expanded access program for patients with mMCC demonstrated efficacy and safety in a real-world setting, consistent with the results from JAVELIN Merkel 200, and provided a treatment for patients with limited options.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Walker
- Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Celeste Lebbé
- INSERM U976 and Dermatology and CIC, AP-HP, Saint Louis Hospital, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Grignani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paul Nathan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex, UK
| | - Luc Dirix
- GZA Ziekenhuizen Campus Sint-Augustinus, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eyal Fenig
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Shahneen Sandhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Munhoz
- Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sarah Flaskett
- Regional Clinical Operations, Merck Serono, Feltham, Middlesex, UK
| | - Josh Reed
- Medical Affairs, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Vijay Kasturi
- Medical Affairs, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany
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Naseri S, Steiniche T, Ladekarl M, Bønnelykke-Behrndtz ML, Hölmich LR, Langer SW, Venzo A, Tabaksblat E, Klausen S, Skaarup Larsen M, Junker N, Chakera AH. Management Recommendations for Merkel Cell Carcinoma-A Danish Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E554. [PMID: 32121063 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin with a poor prognosis and an apparent increase in incidence. Due to its rarity, evidence-based guidelines are limited, and there is a lack of awareness among clinicians. This review constitutes the consensus management recommendations developed by the Danish MCC expert group and is based on a systematic literature search. Patients with localized disease are recommended surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy to the primary site; however, this may be omitted in patients with MCC with low risk features. Patients with regional lymph node involvement are recommended complete lymph node removal and adjuvant radiotherapy in case of extracapsular disease. Metastatic disease was traditionally treated with chemotherapy, however, recent clinical trials with immune therapy have been promising. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1) axis should therefore be strongly considered as first-line treatment for fit patients. A 5-year follow-up period is recommended involving clinical exam every 3 months for 2 years and every 6 months for the following 3 years and PET-CT one to two times a year or if clinically indicated. These national recommendations are intended to offer uniform patient treatment and hopefully improve prognosis.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rapidly progressing skin cancer, has poor prognosis. We reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of MCC, with a focus on recent therapeutic advancements. RECENT FINDINGS Risk factors for MCC, such as old age, immunosuppression, polyomavirus infection and exposure to UV radiation have already been identified, but the underlying mechanisms leading to carcinogenesis still need clarification. On the basis of recent advances, immunotherapy - in particular, inhibition targeting the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD1)/PDL1) immune checkpoint blockade - is currently being investigated in the treatment of metastatic MCC. Avelumab, an anti-PDL1 antibody, was the first drug to be approved internationally as second-line monotherapy for patients with advanced MCC, based on results from the JAVELIN Merkel 200 clinical trial. Avelumab has also recently been approved as first-line treatment for advanced MCC in Europe. Pembrolizumab (anti-PD1) in first-line and nivolumab (anti-PD1) in first-line and second-line treatments are two other checkpoint inhibitors that are under investigation, and showing promising results. New innovative therapies are also in development. SUMMARY New insights concerning advances in MCC diagnosis and treatment have been highlighted. Immunotherapy for metastatic MCC constitutes a recent breakthrough in an unmet medical need, but alternative therapies should continue to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Del Marmol
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hopital Erasme-Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Celeste Lebbé
- APHP, Department of Dermatology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Sorbonne Paris Cité Université, Paris Diderot, INSERM U976, Paris, France
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Mack C, Christian J, Brinkley E, Warren EJ, Hall M, Dreyer N. When Context Is Hard to Come By: External Comparators and How to Use Them. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2019:2168479019878672. [PMID: 31690113 DOI: 10.1177/2168479019878672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
External comparators, also referred to as historical or synthetic controls, present transformational opportunities for broad context and insights alongside clinical research results. The recent confluence of access to quality real-world data (RWD), advanced epidemiologic methods, and legislative directives to regulators for expanded use of RWD is increasing interest in real-world external comparators, opening the door to achieve broader generalizability and learn more, faster. In this less standardized area of research, tailored scientific methodology must be applied for external comparators to accomplish clinical development objectives. Here, we describe methodological considerations for design and illustrate how RWD comparators have been used for regulatory and reimbursement decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emma Brinkley
- IQVIA Real-World & Analytic Solutions, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Marni Hall
- IQVIA Real-World & Analytic Solutions, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Dreyer
- IQVIA Real-World & Analytic Solutions, Cambridge, MA, USA
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46
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Bobrowicz M, Zagozdzon R, Domagala J, Vasconcelos-Berg R, Guenova E, Winiarska M. Monoclonal Antibodies in Dermatooncology-State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1420. [PMID: 31554169 PMCID: PMC6826541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting specific proteins are currently the most popular form of immunotherapy used in the treatment of cancer and other non-malignant diseases. Since the first approval of anti-CD20 mAb rituximab in 1997 for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, the market is continuously booming and the clinically used mAbs have undergone a remarkable evolution. Novel molecular targets are constantly emerging and the development of genetic engineering have facilitated the introduction of modified mAbs with improved safety and increased capabilities to activate the effector mechanisms of the immune system. Next to their remarkable success in hematooncology, mAbs have also an already established role in the treatment of solid malignancies. The recent development of mAbs targeting the immune checkpoints has opened new avenues for the use of this form of immunotherapy, also in the immune-rich milieu of the skin. In this review we aim at presenting a comprehensive view of mAbs' application in the modern treatment of skin cancer. We present the characteristics and efficacy of mAbs currently used in dermatooncology and summarize the recent clinical trials in the field. We discuss the side effects and strategies for their managing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radoslaw Zagozdzon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Domagala
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Roberta Vasconcelos-Berg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Emmanuella Guenova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Magdalena Winiarska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer in which Merkel cell polyomavirus infection and chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation are key risk factors. Immune checkpoint inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of locally advanced, inoperable and metastatic MCC. AIM To outline the modern management of MCC based on advances in our understanding of MCC tumour biology and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, namely inhibitors of programmed cell death protein (PD)-1- and PD‑1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). METHODS A review of the scientific literature listed in PubMed. RESULTS First line therapy with the PD-L1 blocking antibody avelumab is associated with a response rate of 62%. In the second line setting, for example after chemotherapy, the response rate only reaches 33%. However, in patients who responded in the second line setting, 69% remained relapse free after 2 years. Treatment responses occurred on average after 6.1 weeks of therapy. First line treatment with pembrolizumab (anti-PD‑1 antibody) is associated with a 2-year survival rate of 69% and the median survival rate has not been reached. Whilst the various chemotherapy regimens are associated with similar response rates, these are typically short lived. DISCUSSION Checkpoint inhibition offers an effective treatment option for patients with MCC. Avelumab is currently licensed as a treatment for metastatic disease. Chemotherapy remains an option to reduce tumor load, or in the context of resistance and/or contraindications to immune checkpoint therapy. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant use of checkpoint inhibition in MCC may represent a future treatment strategy pending the results of on-going clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Terheyden
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Deutschland.
| | - A Mohr
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Deutschland
| | - E A Langan
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Deutschland
- Dermatological Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, Großbritannien
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48
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Becker JC, Eigentler T, Frerich B, Gambichler T, Grabbe S, Höller U, Klumpp B, Loquai C, Krause-Bergmann A, Müller-Richter U, Pföhler C, Schneider-Burrus S, Stang A, Terheyden P, Ugurel S, Veith J, Mauch C. S2k-Leitlinie Merkelzellkarzinom (MZK, MCC, neuroendokrines Karzinom der Haut) - Update 2018. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2019; 17:562-577. [PMID: 31115985 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13841_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen.,Translationale Hautkrebsforschung, Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK).,Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Heidelberg
| | | | - Bernhard Frerich
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Rostock
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Urs Müller-Richter
- Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
| | | | | | - Andreas Stang
- Klinische Epidemiologie, Institut für Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | | | - Selma Ugurel
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Johannes Veith
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Ulm
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Bharmal M, Kearney M, Zheng Y, Phatak H. Budget impact model of avelumab in patients with metastatic merkel cell carcinoma in the US. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2019; 11:349-359. [PMID: 31190927 PMCID: PMC6535410 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s202642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To estimate the budget impact of avelumab as a treatment option for patients with treatment-naïve first-line (1L) and previously treated second-line or later (2L+) metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) in the US. Methods: A budget impact model was developed to evaluate the addition of avelumab for the treatment of mMCC patients using a hypothetical 30 million-member US health plan over a 3-year time horizon (2019–2021). The comparator treatments included in the analysis were pembrolizumab and nivolumab (other immuno-oncology agents); and the chemotherapies routinely used in the eligible mMCC population. Model inputs included market share uptake of avelumab and other comparators, duration of treatments, and costs (drugs, health care resource utilization, adverse events). The model was evaluated from a commercial payer perspective. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test uncertainties arising from the input values used in the model. Results: In a hypothetical commercial health plan of 30 million members, 285 patients with mMCC were identified over 3 years; 43 patients received avelumab as a 1L treatment over 3 years. In a world without avelumab, the total health care costs of treating patients with mMCC over 3 years were estimated to be US$11,710,115 from a commercial health plan perspective. With avelumab, there were estimated savings of $2,643,173 considering the total costs related to the treatment of mMCC over 3 years (23% reduction in the budget). The incremental cost per member per month over 3 years was −$0.0025. Conclusion: The model results indicate that the adoption of avelumab as a treatment option for mMCC would likely result in minimal budget impact from a US health plan perspective. Patients with mMCC, a rare condition with a poor prognosis and high unmet need, may benefit greatly from recently approved immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtuza Bharmal
- Global Evidence and Value Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Mairead Kearney
- Global Evidence and Value Development, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ying Zheng
- US Health Economics and Outcomes Research, EMD Serono, Inc, Rockland, MA, USA
| | - Hemant Phatak
- US Health Economics and Outcomes Research, EMD Serono, Inc, Rockland, MA, USA
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50
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Becker JC, Eigentler T, Frerich B, Gambichler T, Grabbe S, Höller U, Klumpp B, Loquai C, Krause-Bergmann A, Müller-Richter U, Pföhler C, Schneider-Burrus S, Stang A, Terheyden P, Ugurel S, Veith J, Mauch C. S2k guidelines for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin) - update 2018. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2019; 17:562-576. [PMID: 31056838 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC, ICD-O M8247 / 3) is a rare malignant primary skin tumor with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation. The neoplastic cells share many morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics with Merkel cells of the skin. The diagnosis of MCC is rarely made on clinical grounds. Histological and immunohistochemical studies are usually required to confirm the clinical suspicion. Given the frequent occurrence of occult lymph node metastasis, sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed once distant metastasis has been ruled out by cross-sectional imaging. Primary tumors without evidence of organ metastases are treated with complete surgical excision with appropriate surgical margins. Radiation therapy should be considered at all stages of the disease. For advanced MCC that is no longer amenable to curative treatment by surgery or radiation therapy, there is currently no established systemic therapy for which an improvement in recurrence-free survival or overall survival has been demonstrated in a prospective randomized trial. However, immunotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade seems to be superior to chemotherapy. Various factors warrant that further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions be determined by an interdisciplinary tumor board. These factors include the tumor's aggressiveness, the frequent indication for sentinel lymph node biopsy along with the frequent occurrence in the head and neck region, the potential indication for adjuvant radiation therapy as well as the complexity of the required diagnostic workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Medical Center, Essen, Germany.,Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Frerich
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Bochum University Medical Center, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Bernhard Klumpp
- Department of Radiology, Tübingen University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carmen Loquai
- Department of Dermatology, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Urs Müller-Richter
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Würzburg University Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Department of Dermatology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Stang
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Essen University Medical Center, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Medical Center, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Veith
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cornelia Mauch
- Department of Dermatology, Cologne University Medical Center, Cologne, Germany
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