Foreword

Article Outline

• Copyright

When one is asked to write a review about a rare tumor, it is a challenge. When one is asked to write a comprehensive analysis about an extremely rare tumor for Current Problems in Cancer, that is a daunting task. Zager and colleagues, from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, however, have risen to the task. In fact, they have provided us with one of the most thorough, up-to-date collections of monographs on Merkel cell carcinoma that has ever been written. Although Merkel cell carcinoma continues to be an extremely rare entity (overall cases are estimated to range between 1500 and 3000 annually), its incidence is on the rise. More importantly, it is a very aggressive malignancy with little effective, systemic therapy.

The authors cover the topic diligently, providing an exceptional, in-depth review of the epidemiology and etiology of the disease by Ageli, a comprehensive discussion of the multimodal therapeutic options inclusive of surgery, radiation, and systemic approaches, as well as a detailed discussion of imaging for Merkel cell carcinoma—a topic worthy of its own edition of CPC. The authors have also included a set of interesting cases, an opportunity for all of us to see how the cutting-edge material included in this edition may be applied where we all depend on it—at the bedside.

Dr. Zager and his colleagues have risen to the challenge, and much to our benefit. They have provided a comprehensive, detailed, and extremely up-to-date collection of articles that will greatly enhance our knowledge and understanding of this rare but deadly disease. I am confident that you will gain a tremendous benefit from this edition of Current Problems in Cancer.