Merkel Cell Carcinoma
  • For detail on any of these news items click here.
  • Patients create an informational flyer to increase awareness of Merkel cell carcinoma. April 2008.
  • The first clinical description of Merkel cell carcinoma is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. March 2008.
  • A new virus is identified, called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV or MCPyV), in Science. February 2008.
  • Information about complementary and alternative approaches to treating MCC are added to the "Treatment" section of our website. February 2008.
  • First fresh tissue donation received via the internet. February 2008.
  • Dr. Nghiem speaks on Merkel cell carcinoma at the 2008 American Academy of Dermatology in San Antonio, TX. A summary of the information presented can be downloaded by clicking here. February 2008.
  • The lab obtains Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to obtain left-over tissue, blood and clinical data from ALL patients wishing to participate in research. November 2007.
  • The American Cancer Society - Jerry Wachter Fund awards a grant to improve MCC education for patients and physicians. July 2007.
  • Dr. Nghiem and Kelly Garneski publish a paper on the role of chemotherapy in MCC. June 2007.
  • Dana Whatley sold a 1964 Fender "Sunburst" Stratocastor on ebay for $30,299, donating 50% of proceeds to our MCC Research Program. January 2007.
  • The MMIG (Merkel cell carcinoma Multicenter Interest Group) has its second annual meeting in Washington, DC. February 2007.
  • Dr. Nghiem speaks on Merkel cell carcinoma at the 2007 American Academy of Dermatology in Washington, DC. A summary of the information presented can be downloaded by clicking here. February 2007.
  • Drs. Nghiem and Lemos receive a pilot grant from the Skin Cancer Foundation for Merkel cell carcinoma. December 2006.
  • Drs. Heath and Lemos and Kelly Garneski join the lab. Summer 2006.
  • The role of sentinal lymph node biopsy in MCC for prognosis and improved therapy is published in the Archives of Dermatology. June 2006.
  • Merkel cell carcinoma patient discussion group begun by a patient at "Google Groups."  See http://groups.google.com/group/merkelcell.  September 2005.
  • To download a pdf version of the information on this website click here.

Last Updated: 03/25/08

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance