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
Exercise-induced microbial folate metabolite enhances CD8 T cell antitumor immunity and promotes immunotherapy efficacy
Physical activity has been shown to potentially help the body fight cancer better and make certain treatments like immunotherapy work more effectively in cancers like melanoma, although the reason why is not clear. To understand this, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used mice with mela...
Dietary fiber and probiotics influence the gut microbiome and melanoma immunotherapy response
We are what we eat, and to investigate this, researchers studied the impact of dietary habits on the gut microbiome and treatment success of 128 melanoma patients. The gut microbiome is the community of tiny invisible organisms in our intestines and might affect how well immunotherapy, a treatment t...
Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Immunosuppression, UV Radiation, and Merkel Cell Polyomavirus
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer that arises from a combination of factors, including those outlined below. First, immunosuppressive conditions like HIV, organ transplants, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to ...