Last updated: April 18, 2026
MCC is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. ~80% are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). It primarily affects older adults and immunocompromised patients. Highly responsive to immunotherapy.
Active research areas in 2026:Standard of care: Localized: surgery + radiation. Metastatic: avelumab (Bavencio) or pembrolizumab (FDA-approved). MCC is highly immunogenic with ~60% response rates to checkpoint inhibitors.
Before or alongside surgery for resectable disease:
For previously untreated metastatic disease:
After progression on checkpoint inhibitors:
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are the backbone of MCC treatment. Avelumab was the first FDA-approved treatment for metastatic MCC. Combinations and new agents are being studied. View all →
Oncolytic viruses can directly kill tumor cells and stimulate immune responses.
Combinations of checkpoint inhibitors with other immunomodulators are being explored to overcome resistance.
Novel targeted agents are being tested for patients who progress on immunotherapy.
How do I find Merkel cell carcinoma clinical trials?
Paste your medical summary into ClinTrialFinder to get AI-matched Merkel cell cancer trials in minutes. The tool considers your disease stage, prior immunotherapy response, and MCPyV status.
What Merkel cell carcinoma trials are currently recruiting?
There are 32 recruiting interventional trials for Merkel cell carcinoma including checkpoint inhibitors, combination immunotherapy, and novel targeted agents.
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