Merkel Cell Carcinoma

In vitro, B cells engineered to be specific for viral oncoproteins increased the sensitivity of oncoprotein-specific CD4+ T cells by over 50-fold. Together, our findings suggest that cancer-specific B cells promote antitumor immunity via increased responses by T cells and that cancer-specific augmentation of B cells could be therapeutically relevant.

The use of Ki-67 immunohistochemistry or PAX8-GLIS3 testing on cytological specimens can aid in definitive diagnosis and prevent unnecessary surgery. Thus, an integrated approach combining cytological, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular data is essential for the accurate diagnosis and optimal clinical management of HTT.

P1/2, N=90, Recruiting, Replimune Inc. | N=65 --> 90 | Trial completion date: Jan 2028 --> Nov 2029 | Trial primary completion date: Sep 2027 --> Jul 2029

Our results demonstrate that MCPyV LT directly interacts with the TRAF domain of Usp7 via a unique binding motif that is distinct from the canonical sequence. Moreover, MCPyV LT attenuates the p53-deubiquitinating activity of Usp7, providing insights into the molecular function of this viral oncoprotein.

This case highlights the potential for long-standing benign-appearing skin lesions to harbor rare malignant tumors such as SCAND. Accurate pathological diagnosis and increased clinical awareness among plastic surgeons are essential, and long-term surveillance is recommended owing to the possibility of delayed metastasis.

P1/2, N=20, Recruiting, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC | Not yet recruiting --> Recruiting

P2, N=15, Recruiting, Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine | Trial completion date: Sep 2026 --> Sep 2027 | Trial primary completion date: Dec 2025 --> Dec 2026

Compared to normal epidermis, AK and SCCis exhibited increased Rb and p53 expression, whereas MCCis demonstrated loss of expression of both tumor suppressors. These findings suggest that dual downregulation of Rb and p53 may drive select cases of MCCis in sun-damaged skin.

P1, N=22, Active, not recruiting, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute | Trial completion date: Dec 2025 --> Aug 2026

This present article aims to summarize the most important clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic features of skin tumors with neuroendocrine phenotype focusing on Merkel cell carcinoma, Wnt/betacatenin rosette-forming carcinoma, endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma, and the related sweat gland carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. We especially focused on diagnosis management of these tumor entities in current practice as well as differential diagnosis.

Integration of histomorphology with a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel supported a final diagnosis of large-cell variant MCC. This case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical morphologic and immunophenotypic presentations of MCC and reinforces the need for broad immunohistochemical evaluation to ensure appropriate management of this aggressive malignancy.

P1/2, N=2, Terminated, Ariceum Therapeutics GmbH | N=50 --> 2 | Trial completion date: Dec 2026 --> Dec 2025 | Recruiting --> Terminated | Trial primary completion date: Aug 2026 --> Dec 2025; Study terminated due to strategic business decisions.