Rapid Growth of Merkel Cell Carcinoma after Treatment with Rituximab
February 2006 | Volume 5 | Issue 2 | Case Reports | 180 | Copyright © February 2006
Marla L. Wirges MD, Frank Saporito MD, Jennifer Smith MD
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. We report a case of rapid growth of Merkel
cell carcinoma after treatment with rituximab, a new anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, for acquired factor VIII inhibitor.
We propose that rituximab may place patients at higher risk for aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma thus necessitating the need
for increased long-term surveillance of these patients. 
