Clinical trials
Merkel Cell Carcinoma clinical trials
Below are recruiting merkel cell carcinoma clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 40 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT05269381RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Personalized cancer vaccine with pembrolizumab for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a personalized vaccine made from your tumor's unique markers, combined with the drug pembrolizumab, to help your immune system fight cancer. It is for people with advanced solid tumors who have already tried standard treatments.
Jacksonville, FloridaAges 16 years+ - NCT02479698RecruitingPhase 2
Immune cells for BK or JC virus infections
This trial tests a treatment using special immune cells (called cytotoxic T lymphocytes) to fight BK or JC virus infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients or organ transplant recipients. It may help control the virus and reduce related complications.
Houston, TexasAges Any age - NCT07600476RecruitingPhase 1
Safety Study of KUP-101A in Advanced Solid Tumors
This is an early-stage study testing a new drug called KUP-101A in patients with advanced solid cancers (like lung, colon, or breast cancer) that haven't responded to standard treatments. The drug works by activating the immune system to fight cancer.
Munich, BavariaAges 18 years+ - NCT06780475Recruiting
Lab test for a new Merkel cell cancer treatment
This trial is testing a lab method to see if a specific type of immunotherapy can work against Merkel cell carcinoma. It may help find new treatment options for people with this skin cancer.
Boulogne-BillancourtAges 18 years+ - NCT07215988Recruiting
Studying insurance for skin cancer treatment
This study looks at how insurance covers immunotherapy given before surgery for certain skin cancers. It includes people with Merkel cell, mucosal melanoma, basal cell, or other rare skin cancers who are planning to have surgery.
Columbus, OhioAges 18 years+ - NCT06814496RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Radiation and immunotherapy combo for DLL3-positive cancers
This trial combines radiation with an immunotherapy drug called tarlatamab to treat cancers that make a protein called DLL3. The goal is to see if this combination works better than either treatment alone for people with certain types of lung cancer and other tumors that have not responded to prior therapy.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 18–99 - NCT06047379RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing NEO212 for brain tumors and metastases
This trial tests a new drug called NEO212 for people with certain brain tumors (like astrocytoma or glioblastoma) or cancer that has spread to the brain from other parts of the body. The goal is to see if it is safe and if it can help shrink or control the tumors.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03210935Recruiting
National registry for rare skin cancer diagnoses
This trial is a French national database that collects information from people with certain rare skin cancers. It may help researchers better understand these cancers and improve future care, using real-world patient data.
Dijon, DijonAges Any age - NCT07302347RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of pembrolizumab for different cancers in Japan
This trial tests a drug called pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to see if it helps people with several types of cancer, including relapsed or refractory lymphoma, melanoma, MSI-high or TMB-high solid tumors, and Merkel cell carcinoma. The goal is to understand if this immunotherapy can shrink or control the cancer.
Nagoya, Aichi-kenAges 6 months+ - NCT04975152RecruitingPhase 1
Cemiplimab before surgery for Merkel cell and skin cancers
This early-phase study tests cemiplimab (an immune therapy that helps your immune system attack cancer) given before surgery. It aims to shrink tumors and improve outcomes for people with Merkel cell cancer or certain locally advanced skin squamous cell cancers (CSCC).
Tampa, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT05076760RecruitingPhase 1
Study of a cancer-killing virus with standard treatments
This Phase 1 trial tests MEM-288, an oncolytic (cancer-killing) virus, either alone or combined with standard cancer medicines, in people with advanced solid tumors. It’s designed to see how the treatment works and how safe it is in different cancer types and after specific prior therapies.
Tampa, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT05086692RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Beta-only IL-2 therapy for advanced solid tumors
This Phase 1/2 study tests a beta-only version of IL-2, an immune-stimulating treatment, to shrink or control advanced or metastatic solid tumors. It’s mainly designed to check safety and to see if it can help patients by improving tumor response.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05100095RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation schedule study for Merkel cell skin cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests a specific radiation timing/dose schedule for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive skin cancer. It may help by improving control of the cancer after surgery, especially in higher-risk cases (like lymph nodes).
Houston, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT05496036RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab before surgery for resectable Merkel cell cancer
This trial tests pembrolizumab (an immune therapy) given before surgery to shrink Merkel cell carcinoma and improve outcomes. Participants also have extra tumor biopsies to study biomarkers, which may help explain who benefits most.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05583708RecruitingPhase 2
Trial tests targeted radiation plus immunotherapy after anti–PD-1 failure
This Phase 2 trial studies whether peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (targeted radiation) combined with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) can shrink Merkel cell cancer after it has grown despite anti–PD-1/L1 treatment. It may help people whose cancer has specific receptors that make them eligible for the targeted radiation.
Iowa City, IowaAges 18 years+ - NCT05797415Recruiting
Check sentinel lymph node biopsy for several eye skin cancers
This trial studies whether a “sentinel lymph node biopsy” can better detect cancer spread in people with specific cancers of the eye surface and nearby tissues. It may help doctors find the right next treatment by learning whether lymph nodes are involved.
Roma, RomeAges 18–95 - NCT05859074RecruitingPhase 1
Testing MQ710 injections alone or with pembrolizumab for advanced cancers
This early-phase study tests MQ710, a medicine given by injection into a reachable tumor, to see how well it can control advanced cancers. Some participants also receive pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy, to help the immune system fight the cancer.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05896839RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Immunotherapy with prednisone and sirolimus for transplant skin cancer
This early-phase study tests whether adding immunotherapy (nivolumab and ipilimumab) to prednisone and sirolimus can control advanced skin cancers in people with kidney transplants. It aims to see how well the treatment works and how safe it is for transplant recipients.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05955924RecruitingPhase 3
Nicotinamide to prevent skin cancer after organ transplant
This trial tests nicotinamide (a vitamin-like medicine) to help prevent new keratinocyte skin cancers in people who have had a kidney, liver, heart, or lung transplant. It may lower the chance of developing new skin tumors while you continue your usual transplant anti-rejection medicines.
Calgary, AlbertaAges 18 years+ - NCT05969860RecruitingPhase 2
Home cancer treatment vs clinic treatment for advanced cancer
This Phase 2 trial compares giving certain standard cancer infusions at home versus in a clinic. It may help people avoid clinic visits while still receiving the same cancer treatment safely.
Jacksonville, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT06151236RecruitingPhase 2
Nivolumab and relatlimab before surgery for Merkel cell cancer
This trial tests a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and relatlimab, before surgery for Merkel cell carcinoma that can be removed. The goal is to see if this treatment shrinks the tumor and improves outcomes.
Wollstonecraft, New South WalesAges 18 years+ - NCT06223659RecruitingPhase 2
EMLA cream for pain during lymphoscintigraphy for skin cancer
This trial tests whether EMLA cream can reduce pain from injections needed to map lymph nodes for certain skin cancers. If you are scheduled for lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, you may be eligible.
Columbus, OhioAges 18–99 - NCT06444815RecruitingPhase 1
Study of VET3-TGI for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests an experimental treatment called VET3-TGI, which is injected directly into tumors. It is for people with advanced solid tumors who have already tried other treatments and are looking for new options.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06536257Recruiting
Personalized immunotherapy prediction for melanoma and other cancers
This trial is testing a new way to predict which immunotherapy might work best for your cancer. It uses a sample of your tumor to look for personal markers, so your treatment can be tailored to you.
Sydney, New South WalesAges 18 years+
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Merkel Cell Carcinoma trials by city
Studies with a site in or near these metro areas.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma trials by state
Studies with a site anywhere in these states.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for merkel cell carcinoma?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 40 recruiting merkel cell carcinoma studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a merkel cell carcinoma trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a merkel cell carcinoma trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
- Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Clinical Stage III Cutaneous Merkel Cell Carcinoma AJCC v8
- Clinical Stage IV Cutaneous Merkel Cell Carcinoma AJCC v8
- Locally Advanced Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma of Skin
- Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.