Merkelzellkarzinom: kutane Manifestation einer hochmalignen Prä-/pro-B-Zell-Neoplasie?

Translated title of the contribution: Merkel Cell Carcinoma: cutaneous manifestation of a highly malignant Pre-/pro-B-Cell Neoplasia? New Concept about the cellular Origin of Merkel Cell Carcinoma

C. M. Sauer, E. Chteinberg, D. Rennspiess, A. K. Kurz, A. zur Hausen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively rare but highly malignant non-melanoma skin cancer of the elderly and immunosuppressed patients. The discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in 2008 significantly impacted the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of MCC. MCPyV is clonally integrated into the MCC genome and approximately 80% of MCC are MCPyV-positive. Recent results of clinical trials using blockade of the PD-1 immune modulatory pathway are promising for the future treatment of MCC. Despite this major progress of the past few years, the cellular origin of MCC still remains obscure. Based on histomorphology, gene expression profiling, and molecular analyses, we have recently hypothesized that MCC originates from preaEuro/pro-B cells. Here we review putative cells of MCC, including Merkel cells, (epiaEuro)dermal stem cells, and proaEuro/pre-B cells. In the present work, the focus is on the concept of preaEuro/pro-B cells as the cellular origin of MCC, which might also impact the understanding of other human small cell malignancies of unknown cellular origin, such as small cell carcinomas of the lung and other anatomical locations. In addition, this concept might pave the way for novel treatment options, especially for advanced MCC.

Translated title of the contributionMerkel Cell Carcinoma: cutaneous manifestation of a highly malignant Pre-/pro-B-Cell Neoplasia? New Concept about the cellular Origin of Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)204-210
Number of pages7
JournalDer Hautarzt
Volume68
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2017

Keywords

  • POTENTIAL DIAGNOSTIC PITFALL
  • TRABECULAR CARCINOMA
  • T-ANTIGEN
  • POLYOMAVIRUS
  • SKIN
  • TUMOR
  • GENE
  • IDENTIFICATION
  • RECURRENCE
  • EXPRESSION

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