Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Merkel cell carcinoma: recent insights and new treatment options
David Schrama1, Selma Ugurel, Jürgen C Becker
1Division of General Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Purpose Of Review:
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin demonstrating a high propensity of recurrence and metastasis. Its 5-year disease-specific survival rate is only about 60%. Although MCC is still regarded as a very rare tumor entity, its incidence is rapidly increasing. In this regard, the American Cancer Society estimated almost 1500 new cases in the United States in 2008.
Recent Findings:
The newly identified Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) has been found associated to most MCC cases. Nevertheless, the distinct molecular pathogenesis of MCC and its link to MCV is not yet fully understood. Moreover, the impact of MCV positivity on the course of disease and prognosis of MCC patients is controversially discussed.
Summary:
This review summarizes recent findings on MCC pathogenesis with a special emphasis on the impact of MCV, presents an overview of clinical aspects, and discusses treatment options.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Metastasis
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...
Treatment Resistent Cancers

