Burden of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Targeted Literature Review

MKTXS Market Access Solutions, LLC, Raritan, NJ, USA

Corresponding Author: Siva Narayanan, Executive Vice President, MKTXS Market Access Solutions, LLC, 575 West Rt. 28, Suite 207, Raritan, NJ 08807, USA, Tel: +1-203-297-1208; E-Mail:  [email protected]

Received Date: 27 Dec 2016   
Accepted Date: 17 Feb 2017    
Published Date: 21 Feb 2017

Copyright © 2017 Narayanan S

Citation: Narayanan S and Gala S. (2017). Burden of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Targeted Literature Review. Mathews J Cancer Sci. 2(1): 011.

ABSTRACT

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, lethal cutaneous skin cancer with no approved drug therapies and limited treatment options. The incidence of MCC (per 100,000 persons per year) is reported highest in Australia (0.82-1.60), followed by the United States of America (0.6), Netherlands (0.35), Sweden (0.18-0.33), Finland (0.24-0.25), Spain (0.28), Denmark (0.22), South East Scotland (0.133), France (0.13). The 5-year and 10-year survival is 0%-68%, and 21%-65% respectively, based on factors such as disease stage and sex. Although less than 20% of patients progress to advanced metastatic stage IV MCC, they experience the highest unmet need due to lack of effective therapeutic options. Further research is warranted to quantify clinical, humanistic, and economic burden of MCC adequately and assess comparative effectiveness of evolving treatment options to better inform patients, prescribers and payer organizations.

KEYWORDS

Merkel Cell Carcinoma; Epidemiology, Morbidity; Survival; Unmet Needs.