Leptomeningeal metastasis in melanoma: a prospective clinical study of nine patients.

Background: Melanoma has the highest rate of spread to the leptomeninges and the incidence of melanoma has been steadily rising. This article describes recent experience at the Lille University Hospital, between 2007 and 2011 and discusses the possibilities for treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis.

Patients And Methods: Nine patients were diagnosed with leptomeningeal metastasis of melanoma.

Radiotherapy alone for Merkel cell carcinoma: a comparative and retrospective study of 25 patients.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer. Cumulative data from retrospective series support the notion that benefits are obtained by both wide excision and adjuvant radiation therapy. However, surgery may be difficult to perform with tumors located in the head and neck region and/or in elderly patients with comorbidities incompatible with general anesthesia.