Merkel cell carcinoma

Rare, highly aggressive form of skin cancer

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, highly aggressive form of skin cancer that spreads very quickly. Our clinical trials investigate new treatments for early stage and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, with a focus on immunotherapy.
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What is Merkel cell carcinoma?

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that metastasises very quickly. It occurs when Merkel cells in the outer layer of skin grow out of control and often appears as a single pink, red or purple bump that is usually painless. Merkel cell carcinoma is commonly located on the face, neck and arms.

Merkel cell carcinoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Even if diagnosed early and treated with surgery and / or radiotherapy, Merkel cell carcinoma has a high risk of returning, with up to 50% of patients experiencing recurrence within two years. Once a patient develops metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, only 14% of patients will survive for five years.

What are the risk factors?

  • Older age: 75% of Merkel cell carcinoma patients are aged 65+ at diagnosis
  • Fair skin and a tendency to sunburn
  • Over-exposure to UV radiation from the sun
  • Chronic immunosuppression: such as HIV, organ transplantation, immunosuppressive medications, or chronic lymphocytic lymphoma
  • Merkel cell polyomavirus

Merkel cell carcinoma clinical trials

Open for recruitment

More information about Merkel cell carcinoma

Visit the Australasian Merkel Cell Carcinoma Interest Group (AMIGOs) website for more information. AMIGOs is a special interest group of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials.

Listen to podcasts by the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN):