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Development and rapid dissemination of Merkel‐cell carcinomatosis following therapy with fludarabine and rituximab for relapsing follicular lymphoma
Author(s) -
Cohen Yossi,
Amir Gail,
Polliack Aaron
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2002.01600.x
Subject(s) - merkel cell carcinoma , chemoimmunotherapy , medicine , fludarabine , rituximab , merkel cell , oncology , lymphoma , carcinoma , dermatology , chemotherapy , cyclophosphamide
This report deals with an unusual case of a patient with follicular small cleaved lymphocytic lymphoma who developed Merkel‐cell carcinoma soon after receiving chemoimmunotherapy with a fludarabine‐containing regimen and rituximab. The presentation of the Merkel‐cell carcinoma in this patient was atypical because of the absence of dermal involvement and the very rapid clinical progression. In the light of recent reports which suggest a possible link between the immunocompromised state and the development of Merkel‐cell carcinoma, the atypical presentation seen in this patient may indeed imply a possible link between the therapy given and the development of Merkel‐cell carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of Merkel‐cell carcinoma appearing in a patient soon after treatment with fludarabine and/or rituximab.