Welcome! Defeating Merkel cell carcinoma begins here.
The critical first step is to find a Merkel cell carcinoma specialist.
It is critical that each case be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, including surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and dermatologists with significant experience in managing MCC, in order to develop a plan for the patient.
To find healthcare professionals experienced with Merkel cell carcinoma, start with our list of verified specialists.
Find a SpecialistMake sure your primary care team is knowledgeable and takes action.
Merkel cell carcinoma is rare, and it's common for many medical professionals to be unsure of where to start. When a diagnosis occurs, it is imperative that your medical team is knowledgeable and able to carry out an MCC specialist's plan.
Our clinical team recommends that all healthcare providers follow the NCCN guidelines for MCC to bring them up to speed on MCC and how to care for MCC patients.
Get the GuideConsider joining a patient-based group
A diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is a life-changing experience. Support from others—in the form of advice, recommendations for local healthcare providers, or sharing personal victories—can help ease the burden many MCC patients and their families feel.
We encourage you to make connections; it’s been proven to help.
Get SupportThe latest advancements in treatment
Isolated limb perfusion in Merkel cell carcinoma offers a high rate of complete response and moderately durable local-regional control: Systematic review and institutional experience
Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) is a treatment to target cancer that affects only one arm or leg. This procedure involves isolating the limb (either an arm or a leg) from the rest of the body's circulation. Then, doctors heat chemotherapy drugs to a higher temperature and circulate them ...
Merkel cell carcinoma in collision with squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma in a patient on ruxolitinib treatment for myeloproliferative neoplasm
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK-I) are drugs that help the immune system fight diseases like rare blood cancers. However, as other studies have found, JAK-I has an immunosuppressive effect (the immune response is weakened) which may increase the risk of developing other cancers. This paper specifically...
Patterns of initial distant metastases in 151 patients undergoing surveillance for treated Merkel cell carcinoma
MCC is a cancer that has a high risk of coming back (recurrence) or spreading to other places. This study looked at how the location where the cancer first developed is related to where it tends to come back. The findings from this study supported the results of a similar paper from 2020. Both studi...