The presence of metastases to a lymph node worsens the prognosis for a patient with a Merkel cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains can help to identify micrometastases. The authors are from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Patient selection: Merkel cell carcinoma
Micrometastases may be present in the subcapsular sinus of the lymph node.
Immunohistochemical panel:
(1) CAM5.2
(2) chromogranin
(3) cytokeratin 20
A patient with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma may benefit from more aggressive adjuvant therapy.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
