The Merkel cell carcinoma: survival and oncogene markers.
BACKGROUND
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and malignant tumour. Survival data and prognostic factors are scarce.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the usefulness of biological markers to predict the prognosis for these aggressive tumours.


METHODS
C-myc oncoprotein and proliferation was analysed in specimens from 13 patients with MCC, treated between 1983 and 1997. The average age at presentation was 68.3 years. Overall follow-up ranged from 14 to 158 months, with a mean of 68.2 months. Specimens were analysed by immunohistochemistry for proliferation (mib-1) and flow cytometry for oncogene activity (c-myc).


RESULTS
The median positivity was 52% for the c-myc oncogene and 50% for proliferation, but these did not correlate to survival as analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Other parameters such as median age at presentation, sex, site of tumour and adjuvant radiotherapy were also analysed, but none were found to be significant.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that neither c-myc oncogene activity or mitotic index in MCC can be related to patient survival.
Jemec
B
B
Department of Plastic Surgery, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK.
Chana
J
J
Grover
R
R
Grobbelaar
A O
AO
D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D008940:Mitotic Index; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000032:analysis*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc