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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Extracutaneous Merkel cell carcinomas harbor polyomavirus DNA
Dario de Biase1, Moira Ragazzi, Sofia Asioli
1Department of Hematology and Oncological Sciences "L. & A. Seragnoli," Section of Anatomic Pathology at Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy.
Human Pathology
|December 30, 2011
Summary
Merkel cell carcinoma, a neuroendocrine tumor, is linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus across various body sites. This virus appears to play a role in the development of this multiorgan carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer.
- MCC has been identified in various organs beyond the skin, including lymph nodes and salivary glands.
- Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has been detected in cutaneous MCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MCPyV in non-cutaneous MCC.
- To compare MCC from different sites (skin, lymph nodes, parotid gland) for viral and immunohistochemical similarities.
- To differentiate MCC from pulmonary small cell carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin 20, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and thyroid transcription factor 1.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect viral DNA.
- Sequencing of PCR products and agarose gel electrophoresis for evaluation.
Main Results:
- Cytokeratin 20 and MCPyV were detected in all primary MCC cases, regardless of origin (skin, lymph nodes, parotid gland).
- Pulmonary small cell carcinoma cases were negative for both MCPyV and cytokeratin 20.
- Cutaneous and extracutaneous MCC exhibit similar histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Merkel cell carcinomas share common features across different organ sites, supporting its classification as a multiorgan carcinoma.
- Merkel cell polyomavirus may be involved in the pathogenesis of Merkel cell carcinoma.
- MCPyV and cytokeratin 20 can help distinguish MCC from pulmonary small cell carcinoma.
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