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Treatment of Recurrent Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Source: Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 16, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Treatment of recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma may include:
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wide local excision to remove a larger area of tissue than was removed in earlier surgery with or without lymph node dissection
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radiation therapy after surgery
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chemotherapy
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immunotherapy with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (avelumab, pembrolizumab, or retifanlimab)
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radiation therapy and/or surgery as palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
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Learn more about these treatments in the Treatment Option Overview.
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Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice