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.
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.
Dr. Nghiem is also the founder of the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3 Institute), which leads MCC clinical trials and conducts MCC research.
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.
See below for our researchers and faculty or view our Merkel cell carcinoma care team providers.
