Rapid growth of Merkel cell carcinoma after treatment with rituximab.
Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. We report a case of rapid growth of Merkel cell carcinoma after treatment with rituximab, a new anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, for acquired factor VIII inhibitor. We propose that rituximab may place patients at higher risk for aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma thus necessitating the need for increased long-term surveillance of these patients.
Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
Marla L
ML
Wirges
Frank
F
Saporito
Jennifer
J
Smith
D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069283:Rituximab; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000069283:Rituximab