National Cancer Database analysis of impact of delayed radiotherapy on overall survival of Merkel cell carcinoma patients

Clinically localized Merkel cell carcinoma is commonly treated with surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. The optimal timing of the radiotherapy is unknown. Analysis of the National Cancer Database (2006-2019) found that among patients with clinically localized Merkel cell carcinoma, interval between surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy 79 days (the 45^th percentile) or longer was associated with worse overall survival (HR 1.258; p p=0.010).