Merkel Cell Carcinoma Clinical Trials and Research

We unite the leading researchers and cancer specialists of Fred Hutch and UW Medicine so you can take part in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) research through clinical trials not available everywhere. Fred Hutch was a leading clinical trial site for avelumab (Bavencio), the first treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.

Every advance in cancer treatment in recent years, including Merkel cell carcinoma treatment, has come out of clinical trials.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Clinical Trials 

Fred Hutch typically has over 750 active cancer clinical trials enrolling participants. 

Clinical trials may allow some patients access to a promising new treatment, and help physicians and researchers learn more about a disease. 

Search MCC Clinical Trials

Moving Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research Forward

Over the past two decades, Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, and the Nghiem Lab have championed innovations in Merkel cell carcinoma treatment and research. Dr. Nghiem and his team led clinical trials establishing existing immunotherapy drugs as effective treatments for MCC. Some current clinical trials are exploring the role of immunotherapy before and after surgery, while another is focused on advancing options for patients whose cancer returns after treatment.

Learn More About the Nghiem Lab

Our Merkel Cell Carcinoma Researchers and Faculty 

Our scientists and providers work together to prevent, diagnose and treat Merkel cell carcinoma as well as other cancers and diseases. The lab research and clinical research they do are essential parts of the scientific process that leads to new treatments and better care. Many of our MCC providers also do research in addition to seeing patients. Clinical trials can also be a way for patients to get early access to new leading-edge therapies. Our research teams are running many clinical studies for people with MCC.

Shailender Bhatia, MD

Shailender Bhatia, MD

Shailender Bhatia, MD

Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Member, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center (PAM IRC)

3 more appointments

Phone:
Email:
Fax: 206.606.1314
Mail Stop: CE2-102
Christopher D. Blosser, MD

Christopher D. Blosser, MD

Christopher D. Blosser, MD

Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Director, Cancer and Organ Transplant Clinic, Fred Hutch

4 more appointments

Phone:
Email:
Fax:
Mail Stop:
Aude G. Chapuis, MD

Aude G. Chapuis, MD

Aude G. Chapuis, MD

Associate Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch

Member, Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center (IIRC), Fred Hutch

5 more appointments

Phone: 206.667.4369
Email:
Fax: 206.667.7983
Mail Stop: D3-100
Lab Website
Denise Galloway, PhD

Denise Galloway, PhD

Denise Galloway, PhD

Scientific Director, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center (PAM IRC), Fred Hutch

Professor, Human Biology Division, Fred Hutch

4 more appointments

Phone: 206.667.4500
Email:
Fax: 206.667.5815
Mail Stop: C1-015
Lab Website
Philip Greenberg, MD

Philip Greenberg, MD

Philip Greenberg, MD

Professor & Head, Program in Immunology, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch

Member, Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center (IIRC), Fred Hutch

5 more appointments

Phone: 206.667.7791
Email:
Fax: 206.667.7983
Mail Stop: D3-100
Lab Website
Evan Hall, MD, MPhil

Evan Hall, MD, MPhil

Evan Hall, MD, MPhil

Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Affiliate Investigator, Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), Fred Hutch

1 more appointment

Phone:
Email:
Fax: 206.606.1314
Mail Stop: CE2-102
Natalie J. Miller, MD, PhD

Natalie J. Miller, MD, PhD

Natalie J. Miller, MD, PhD

Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Phone:
Email:
Fax:
Mail Stop:
Paul Riviere, MD

Paul Riviere, MD

Paul Riviere, MD

Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology Division, Fred Hutch

1 more appointment

Phone:
Email:
Fax:
Mail Stop:
Joshua Veatch, MD, PhD

Joshua Veatch, MD, PhD

Joshua Veatch, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch

Member, Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center (IIRC), Fred Hutch

4 more appointments

Phone: 206.667.5108
Email:
Fax:
Mail Stop: D3-100
Lab Website

Merkel Cell Carcinoma News

All news
A rare skin cancer diagnosis requires a balancing act between suppressing and boosting the immune system
A rare skin cancer diagnosis requires a balancing act between suppressing and boosting the immune system Unique clinic devoted to cancer and organ transplant recipients establishes a new care model December 11, 2025
Dr. Shailender Bhatia receives the Lyn and Daniel Lerner Endowed Chair in Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Dr. Shailender Bhatia receives the Lyn and Daniel Lerner Endowed Chair in Merkel Cell Carcinoma A family’s generosity will fuel the search for new ways to treat an aggressive skin cancer September 15, 2025
Skin in the game: Changing the story of Merkel cell carcinoma
Skin in the game: Changing the story of Merkel cell carcinoma How the Nghiem Lab and its supporters are improving outcomes for patients with a rare cancer February 6, 2025
New biomarker could one day help tailor immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma
New biomarker could one day help tailor immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma Helps explain why only certain MCC patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, could point toward new strategies to improve treatment responses February 9, 2024