Although the rarity of Merkel cell carcinoma has made it difficult to study, researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have a specific interest in evaluating new ways to treat this disease.

We have a number of clinical trials evaluating new treatments for Merkel cell carcinoma. Some of these trials are focused on combining different treatments — for example, using more than one type of immunotherapy, or combing immunotherapy with different types of radiation. We are also looking at targeted therapies for some cases of Merkel cell carcinoma.