High somatostatin receptor expression and efficacy of somatostatin analogues in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma*

• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.19150
• Publication Date: 2020-04-22T19:11:52Z
• Authors: T. Akaike; J. Qazi; A. Anderson; F.S. Behnia; M.M. Shinohara; G. Akaike; D.S. Hippe; H. Thomas; S.R. Takagishi; K. Lachance; S.Y. Park; E.S. Tarabadkar; J.G. Iyer; A. Blom; U. Parvathaneni; H. Vesselle; P. Nghiem; S. Bhatia
• Keywords: Merkel cell

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive, high‐grade, cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour (NET). Agents blocking programmed death 1/programmed ligand 1 have efficacy in metastatic MCC (mMCC), but half of patients do not derive durable benefit. Somatostatin analogues (SSAs) are commonly used to treat low‐ and moderate‐grade NETs that express somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). To assess SSTR expression the SSAs mMCC, a high‐grade NET. Methods In this retrospective study 40 with was assessed radiologically by receptor scintigraphy (SRS; n = 39) and/or immunohistochemically when feasible (n 9). Nineteen (18 had SRS uptake tumours) were treated SSA. Disease control defined as progression‐free survival (PFS) ≥ 120 days after initiation Thirty‐three 39 (85%) some degree (low 52%, moderate 23%, high 10%) uptake. Of 19 SSA, seven response‐evaluable target lesion; three these (43%) experienced disease control, median PFS 237 (range 152–358). Twelve did lesion due antecedent radiation; five 12 (42%) (median 429 days, range 143–1757). The (determined immunohistochemistry) correlate significantly endpoints. contrast other NETs, mMCC tumours appear frequently SSTRs. can lead clinically meaningful minimal side‐effects. Targeting SSTRs using SSA or novel approaches should be explored further for mMCC.