{"id":2030,"date":"2019-05-29T17:35:03","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T17:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scfredesignpro.wpengine.com\/?page_id=2030"},"modified":"2025-04-22T14:28:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T14:28:22","slug":"mcc-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/mcc-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;small translation&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Translation:\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/international\/le-cancer-de-la-cellule-de-merkel\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2507\" src=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/france-flag-icon-16.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"11\" \/><\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/international\/merkelzell-karzinom-mcc\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2508\" src=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/germany-flag-icon-16.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"10\" \/><\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/international\/il-carcinoma-a-cellule-di-merkel\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2509\" src=\"https:\/\/skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/italy-flag-icon-16.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"11\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/international\/el-carcinoma-de-celulas-de-merkel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Merkel Cell Carcinoma\u00a0<span style=\"color: rgba(50,63,74,0.65);\">Treatment<\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Know Your Options&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;9\/12&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;large&#8221;]Merkel cell carcinoma is rare and dangerous but treatable, especially when found at an <a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/stages\/\">early stage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Because MCC is such an uncommon form of skin cancer, it is best to seek treatment at an academic center with physicians who have specialized expertise in caring for people with this particular disease. A multi-disciplinary team experienced in the care of MCC is recommended. Dermatologists, surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists need to confer to determine the best plan for a given case.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/merkelcell.org\/resources\/find-a-specialist\/\">Find an MCC specialist here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>While treatment options for MCC depend on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient, treatment includes surgical removal of the primary tumor along with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#radiation\">Radiation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#immunotherapy\">Immunotherapy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#chemotherapy\">Chemotherapy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;1998&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1532456871168{background-color: #323f4a !important;}&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Overview&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Risk Factors&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Frisk-factors%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Risk%20Factors||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Warning Signs&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Fmcc-warning-signs%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Warning%20Signs||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Stages&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Fstages%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Stages||&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/5&#8243; el_class=&#8221;subpage-nav&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Patient Support&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#323f4a&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffcc42&#8243; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-arrow-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincancer.org%2Fskin-cancer-information%2Fmerkel-cell-carcinoma%2Fmcc-patient-support%2F|title:Merkel%20Cell%20Carcinoma%20Patient%20Support%20Center||&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;radiation&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Radiation&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">How it works<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>MCC is highly responsive to radiation, a localized treatment that uses high-energy rays such as X-rays or particles such as electrons to penetrate the tumors and destroy them or keep them from growing.<\/p>\n<h4>When it&#8217;s used<\/h4>\n<p>Radiation may be used for the following purposes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><b>At the primary site<\/b>: Depending on the site of the tumor, location and post-surgery margins, physicians may recommend radiation to treat the skin area around the primary tumor after surgery to try to destroy any cancer cells that may have been missed during surgery. Especially if it seems likely that the tumor may come back, because of its size or because the patient is immunosuppressed, radiation is often used on the site where the lesion was removed. This helps prevent recurrence or spread of the cancer to the local lymph nodes or beyond.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><b>At nodes or distant sites<\/b>: If the MCC has spread to local lymph nodes, doctors may recommend removing some or all of the nodes and\/or then treating the nodal site with radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation can also be used on a large, inoperable tumor, to improve the chances it might shrink enough in size to be successfully excised. Tumors that are reduced in size by radiation may also be more treatable with immunotherapy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the cancer has reached an advanced stage, treatments including immunotherapy, chemotherapies and participation in a clinical trial may be recommended as potential options.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;immunotherapy&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Immunotherapy&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]Immunotherapies boost the body\u2019s ability to fight cancers by using synthetic versions of immune system proteins, or by enabling the release of cells that attack tumors. These therapies are effective when used alone or in combinations.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/_-OC3XRWqvI&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><i>\u201cExciting new therapies are emerging.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sandra D\u2019Angelo, MD<\/strong><br \/>\nClinical Oncologist<br \/>\nMemorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3>Checkpoint blockade therapy<\/h3>\n<h4>Treatment overview<\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\">In 2017, researchers achieved promising success in treating advanced stage MCC with a revolutionary immunotherapy treatment known as <b>checkpoint blockade therapy<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Checkpoint blockade immunotherapies block molecules (proteins called PD-1 [programmed death-1] or PD-L1 [programmed death-ligand 1]) that prevent activation of <b>T-cells<\/b> \u2013 white blood cells that produce immune responses. Under normal conditions, this control mechanism helps prevent potentially dangerous autoimmune reactions. For MCC patients, the drug blocks these molecules, releasing the brakes on T-cells that can then attack the cancer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">These pioneering discoveries of how to control the anti-cancer immune response earned researchers the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nobelprize.org\/prizes\/medicine\/2018\/press-release\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Approved medications<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/treatment-resources\/treatment-glossary\/#avelumab\">Avelumab (Bavencio\u00ae)<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>How it works<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW131973834 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">Avelumab<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\"> was<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\"> the first <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">immune checkpoint<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">inhibitor <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">approved by the FDA <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">(<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">in 2017<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">)<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\"> for <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">the treatment of adults and pediatric patients <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">age<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\"> 12 and older with metastatic MCC. This treatment <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">blocks<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">PD-L1<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\"> and essentially removes the brakes on the immune system, releasing <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW131973834 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">T<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\">cells<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW131973834 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW131973834 BCX0\">to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW131973834 BCX0\"> kill MCC tumor cells more effectively.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW131973834 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"\/treatment-resources\/treatment-glossary\/#pembrolizumab\">Pembrolizumab (Keytruda\u00ae)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW141298115 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">Another <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">immune <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">checkpoint <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">inhibitor<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">,<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\"> pembrolizumab, binds the PD-1 molecule, activating the immune system to attack MCC tumors. The therapy was approved in 2018 for adult and pediatric patients with <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW141298115 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">locally <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">advanced <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">or <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">metastatic<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW141298115 BCX0\">MCC.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW141298115 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/treatment-resources\/treatment-glossary\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Retifanlimab-dlwr (Zynyz<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><em>\u2122<\/em><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In 2023, the FDA granted accelerated approval to retifanlimab-dlwr, also a PD-1 inhibitor, as a treatment for adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Merkel cell carcinoma<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f(MCC). Its safety and efficacy were based on data from the POD1UM-201 trial that evaluated the treatment in adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC who had not received previous systemic therapy for the disease.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Future treatment possibilities<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\">The field of immunotherapy is <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW484796 BCX0\">evolving<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW484796 BCX0\">and growing, giving patients with MCC broader options and new hope for treating and managing the disease.<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\"> Studies <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\">have<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\"> look<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\">ed<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\"> at <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\">using<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\"> immune checkpoint inhibitors <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\">in <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW484796 BCX0\">combination<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW484796 BCX0\">s<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW484796 BCX0\">for patients with advanced MCC<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackedChange SCXW484796 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW484796 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW484796 BCX0\">, as well as with other treatments. Trials are ongoing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW484796 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221; el_id=&#8221;chemotherapy&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Chemotherapy&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">How it works<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Chemotherapy<\/strong> is a systemic approach to stop cancer cell growth using certain drugs that either kill the cells or stop them from multiplying.<\/p>\n<h4>When it&#8217;s used<\/h4>\n<p>Although MCC is responsive to chemotherapy (over half of patients\u2019 tumors will shrink), responses are seldom durable (over half of tumors will start growing again by 90 days after starting chemotherapy). MCC often gains resistance and the tumor can start to grow again despite receiving chemotherapy. Furthermore, the immune system is somewhat suppressed by chemotherapy and side effects are also considerable.<\/p>\n<p>The 2018 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines list immunotherapy agents as preferred treatment options for patients with advanced MCC. Chemotherapy is now generally recommended for patients who are not eligible for immunotherapy or those who did not respond to immunotherapy.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors can use chemotherapy in a \u201cpalliative\u201d manner temporarily to decrease pain and improve comfort and mobility for patients.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<em><strong>Reviewed by:<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Sandra D\u2019Angelo, MD<br \/>\n<\/em><em>Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD<\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>Note:<\/b>\u00a0The information included on this website is medically reviewed and factually accurate. It is intended for educational purposes only. The treatment information on this page is not a recommendation or endorsement of any drug, device or treatment, nor does it suggest that any drug, device or treatment is safe or effective for you. If you have any questions about skin cancer treatments, please talk to your health care provider.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;content-block&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_section full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562774950979{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content_no_spaces&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562774972417{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562775022945{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_cta h2=&#8221;An expert shares information about new progress in detection, monitoring and treatment of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma.&#8221; txt_align=&#8221;center&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1565038968685{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/merkel-cell-carcinoma\/dr-nghiem-qa\/\">Q&amp;A with MCC expert Dr. Paul Nghiem<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;small translation&#8221;] Translation:\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 En Espa\u00f1ol [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] Merkel Cell Carcinoma\u00a0Treatment [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Know Your Options&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;9\/12&#8243;][vc_column_text [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1998,"parent":591,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2030","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.3 (Yoast SEO v25.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment - The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a dangerous but treatable skin cancer, especially when found at an early stage. 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