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
Three-year survival, correlates and salvage therapies in patients receiving first-line pembrolizumab for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma
P01 members Paul Nghiem, Shailender Bhatia, Candice Church, Tomoko Akaike, and Michi Shinohara were co-authors on this exciting study that looked at first-line pembrolizumab treatment responses in patients with advanced MCC with a 3 year follow up. Authors found there was a 58% overall response rate...
Sequence of αPD-1 relative to local tumor irradiation determines the induction of abscopal antitumor immune responses
Although carried out in mice, this study may have interesting implications for our patients. If radiation and immune therapy (such as Keytruda/pembrolizumab or Bavencio/avelumab) are to be given around the same time as radiation, this study suggests that radiation should be given before immune ther...
How we treat Merkel cell carcinoma: within and beyond current guidelines
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a skin cancer with a high risk of recurrence and distant spread. Optimal care of this cancer is important. However, management is challenging because it is rare and its treatment is continuously evolving across multiple specialties. While treatment guidelines offer a b...