Objective: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Although immunotherapy has transformed MCC management, published data remain limited. This comprehensive review evaluates current evidence on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in MCC, in relation to other treatment modalities such as surgery and radiotherapy. Methods: Peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and August 2025 were searched manually in four databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and MEDLINE, using the keywords “Merkel cell carcinoma” AND “immunotherapy” AND “immune checkpoint inhibitors”. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was employed. Results: ICIs can be given in different settings: (A) Neoadjuvant: The CheckMate 358 trial reported a 54.5% response rate among 33 radiologically evaluable patients treated with nivolumab, each showing over 30% tumor reduction. (B) Adjuvant: (1) The ADMEC-O phase II trial demonstrated improved disease-free survival with adjuvant nivolumab. (2) The ADAM phase III trial evaluates adjuvant avelumab in node-positive patients post-surgery/radiation, with common side effects including nausea, fatigue, and itching. (3) STAMP, a phase III trial, investigates pembrolizumab in stage I–III MCC. Both ADAM and STAMP have completed accrual and results are pending. (C) Primary therapy: KEYNOTE-017 and JAVELIN trials reported a 60% overall response rate and ~40% 3-year progression-free survival with first-line pembrolizumab or avelumab. Both agents also show promise as salvage therapies. Conclusions: ICIs demonstrate encouraging outcomes in MCC across various treatment stages. Continued research is essential to optimize treatment timing and integrate multimodal therapies.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is an emerging clinical and public health concern in cancer care. Although opioids remain essential for cancer pain management, a substantial subset of patients develops OUD, including many iatrogenic cases. This scoping review (ScR) synthesized evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, screening approaches, and multidisciplinary management of OUD in adults with cancer. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-ScR guidelines. Four databases (PubMed, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect) were searched for English language randomized trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational studies published from 2019–2025. Eligible studies included adults aged ≥ 18 years with cancer. Two independent reviewers conducted the study selection (OA and YI). The search identified 1,044 records; 403 abstracts were screened; 164 full-texts were assessed; and 46 studies met the inclusion criteria. OUD prevalence averaged 8% (range 6–50%), with 23.5% of patients classified as at risk. New persistent opioid use occurred in 19% within 8 weeks. Postoperative persistent opioid use was 33.3% overall, higher among patients with prior opioid exposure (48.3%) than opioid-naive individuals (18.5%). Reported risk factors included prior opioid use, younger age, male sex, substance use history, anxiety, and financial distress. Screening tools identified approximately 20% of patients as high risk. Multidisciplinary interventions—including buprenorphine/naloxone treatment and structured monitoring—were effective in managing concurrent cancer pain and OUD. OUD in cancer populations is preventable and manageable through systematic risk assessment and integrated multidisciplinary care. Early screening with validated tools, structured monitoring, and compassionate communication support safe opioid use while maintaining adequate analgesia. Evidence supports expanding access to medication-assisted therapies, psychosocial support, and harm-reduction strategies. These findings provide a foundation for improving clinical outcomes and guiding future research.

Purpose: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Although immunotherapy has transformed MCC management, published data remain limited. This comprehensive review evaluates current evidence on immunotherapy in MCC. Methods: Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were manually searched in four databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and MEDLINE, using the keywords “Merkel cell carcinoma” AND “immunotherapy”. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was employed. Results: Immunotherapy can be given in different settings: (A) Neoadjuvant: The CheckMate 358 trial reported a 54.5% response rate among 33 radiologically evaluable patients treated with nivolumab, each showing over 30% tumor reduction. (B) Adjuvant: (1) The ADMEC-O phase II trial demonstrated improved disease-free survival with adjuvant nivolumab. (2) The ADAM phase III trial evaluates adjuvant avelumab in node-positive patients post-surgery/radiation, with common side effects including nausea, fatigue, and itching. (3) STAMP, a phase III trial, investigates pembrolizumab in stage I–III MCC. Both ADAM and STAMP have completed accrual, pending results. (C) Primary therapy: KEYNOTE-017 and JAVELIN trials reported a 60% overall response rate and ~40% 3-year progression-free survival with first-line pembrolizumab or avelumab. Both agents also show promise as salvage therapies. Conclusion: Immunotherapy demonstrates encouraging outcomes in MCC across various treatment stages. Continued research is essential to optimize timing, integrate with multimodal therapies, and address resistance mechanisms such as intra-tumoral STING activation and tumor-associated macrophages.

Sexual health is a fundamental component of quality of life that is frequently compromised in cancer patients. In melanoma care, these issues remain under addressed despite increasing survivorship. This scoping review aimed to map the current literature on sexual health concerns in melanoma patients. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, five databases were searched (2010-2025). Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, including cross-sectional, qualitative, and systematic reviews. Sexual dysfunction affected up to 52% of melanoma patients, with higher prevalence in men (68.9%) than women (41.3%). Contributing factors included visible scarring, hormonal imbalances (e.g., testosterone deficiency in 69% of men receiving immunotherapy), body image concerns, anxiety, and depression. Women were more affected by body image and recurrence anxiety, while men experienced higher rates of treatment-induced hypogonadism. In one cross-sectional study (n = 75), sexual dysfunction was reported in up to 52% of melanoma patients, with higher rates in men (68.9%) than women (41.3%); however, these estimates are based on limited data and should not be generalized.

Cancer patients receiving systemic therapy experience substantial treatment-related symptoms. Nurse-led digital health interventions, e.g., interactive voice response systems, web platforms, mobile apps, and telehealth, have emerged as strategies to strengthen supportive care. To evaluate its effectiveness, this systematic review summarizes evidence exclusively from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, four databases were searched from inception to January 2025 for eligible RCTs involving adults undergoing anticancer therapy; evaluating nurse-led or nurse-co-led interventions using digital or telecommunication technologies; reporting validated symptom or health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed. Nine RCTs (N = 3344) met criteria; seven had low risk of bias. Interventions using telephone systems, web portals, mobile apps, or videoconferencing reduced symptom burden and improved HRQoL. The Symptom Care at Home system reduced symptom burden by ~43%, with greatest effects from combined automated monitoring and nurse practitioner follow-up. Additional benefits included improved anxiety, self-efficacy, patient participation, fewer severe toxicities and hospitalization days. In conclusion, nurse-led digital interventions effectively reduce symptom burden and support HRQoL during systemic therapy. Multicomponent models integrating automated monitoring with structured nursing follow-up and decision support appear most beneficial.