Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
13:45
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Merkel cell carcinoma: update and review
Timothy S Wang1, Patrick J Byrne, Lisa K Jacobs
1Division of Cutaneous Surgery and Oncology, Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. twang49@jhmi.edu
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer. Increased incidence and viral links are driving research into this aggressive malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Virology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive skin cancer.
- MCC is often fatal and frequently not suspected during initial biopsy.
- Rising incidence and a potential viral link have increased research interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on current understanding of Merkel cells.
- To review the latest knowledge on Merkel cell carcinoma.
- To discuss advancements in MCC research and data collection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent MCC research.
- Analysis of current diagnostic and epidemiological data.
- Synthesis of emerging findings on viral associations.
Main Results:
- MCC incidence is increasing globally.
- A viral etiology, particularly with polyomavirus, is increasingly recognized.
- New tools are being developed for better MCC data collection.
Conclusions:
- MCC requires heightened clinical suspicion due to its aggressive nature.
- Understanding the viral association is crucial for future MCC research and treatment.
- Continued research is essential to improve outcomes for patients with MCC.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
02:30Metastasis
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...