Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) infection is a very common illness that generally causes no symptoms.
Merkel cell carcinoma cells share antigenic profiles of both epithelial and neuroendocrine cells.
Healthcare company Merck KGaA and Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) on Wednesday jointly announced the receipt of approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for BAVENCIO (avelumab, genetically recombinant Injection 200mg/ml for intravenous use) as the first and only treatment indicated for curatively unresectable
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in Japan.
Today marks the approval of the first-ever treatment indicated for
Merkel cell carcinoma in Japan, making this a significant milestone for patients living with this devastating type of skin cancer," said Luciano Rossetti, M.
Responses were observed in patients regardless of PD-Ll tumor expression or presence of
Merkel cell polyomavirus," the FDA said.
Characterized as a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous cancer,
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) most commonly occurs in the head and neck region of elderly and immunocompromised patients.
It has long be suspected that bladder cancer might have an infectious etiology, with
Merkel cell virus (MCV), and the BK and JC polyomaviruses put forth as potential candidates.
There was less evidence of a connection in people with lung cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, melanoma, or
Merkel cell carcinoma.
For
Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer, current smokers had a worse survival rate than those who had never smoked, though the difference was not statistically significant.
reported thoracic SEM of
Merkel cell carcinoma in an immunocompromised patient.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer have received Breakthrough Therapy designation for avelumab for the treatment of patients with metastatic
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) who have progressed after at least one previous chemotherapy regimen.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin).