[Primary radiotherapy of recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid. Case report and review of the literature].
BACKGROUND
Despite an increasing number of reports Merkel-cell-carcinoma still is a rare neoplasm. Reports on radical radiotherapy are sparse.


METHODS
We report on a successful radical radiotherapy of a recurrent Merkel-cell-carcinoma of the eyelid in an 84-year old woman, using a hypofractionated treatment of 50 Gy with 70 kV-X-rays, 10 fractions of 5 Gy within 5 weeks.


RESULTS
Rapid and complete remission was achieved, with no signs of local or distant failure 24 months after the end of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The case reported on highlights the radiosensitivity of this tumor and the role of radiotherapy not merely as salvage procedure.
Höcht
S
S
Hermann-Holthusen-Institut für Strahlentherapie, Allgemeines Krankenhaus St. Georg, Hamburg. hoecht@ukbf.fu-berlin.de
Wiegel
T
T
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*
Primäre Strahlentherapie eines rezidivierenden Merkel-Zell-Karzinoms des Lides. Kasuistik und Literaturübersicht.