News & Publications

The University of Washington Newsletter recently published the story of Robert Yolles-- a husband whose ultimate goal was to help his wife, Monica, find the best possible doctors and treatments for her Merkel cell carcinoma. Through his search, he found Dr. Paul Nghiem. To this day, Yolles remains c...

Dear friends of Merkel cell carcinoma research, During this time of giving and celebrations, I want to let you know how appreciative our Merkel Team is of your support.  This year was one of many exciting milestones that I am thrilled to share with you.   We have written an annual update lette...

Authorization for BAVENCIO® (avelumab) as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) has been granted in several locations worldwide. Updates on avelumab approvals: United States --- March 23, 2017 Switzerland --- September 5, 2017 E...

On October 27, 2017, Laura A. Stokowski, of Medscape, released the details from an interview with Dr. Paul Nghiem regarding Merkel cell carcinoma and its defining characteristics, proper management, and recent advances in treatment options. Use of the "AEIOU" characteristics can help in identifying...

On October 19th, 2017, Danielle Bucco of OncLive released an article pertaining to the advantages of treating Merkel cell carcinoma with immunotherapy. Historically, chemotherapy has been used as the first line of treatment. However, recent statistics highlight the difference in progression-free sur...

On Thursday October 19th, Dr. Paul Nghiem had the opportunity to meet with Dr. J. Helen Leonard. He shares his experience below. "After collaborating for over a decade, I, finally got to meet Dr J. Helen Leonard here in Brisbane, Australia, the city in which she started the world’s first resear...

On October 2, 2017, Jake Siegel, of The UW Medicine Huddle, released an article on Dr. Paul Nghiem's path to studying  and specializing in Merkel cell carcinoma.  As Nghiem states, "MCC had morphed from a chore to a moderately interesting subject to a two-decade whirlwind of clinical, basic and tr...

In recognition of Dr. Gregg Schimmel's support of hundreds of Merkel cell patients around the country, the Dr. Gregg Schimmel Fund for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research Fellows has been established. To learn more about Gregg and make a donation, please visit: supportuwmedicine.org/gregg-schimmel R...

On June 9, 2017, Hutch news published Rose Wittman's Merkel cell carcinoma story as she failed to qualify for one clinical trial, but a later experimental treatment sent her into complete remission. To read more, view the article here. Furthermore, Fred Hutch has provided a medium for individual...

On May 31, 2017, Hutch News released an article highlighting the promising results from an ongoing early-stage trial. The combination of T-cell therapy, avelumab (the newly FDA- approved drug), followed by an immune booster has kept cancer from progressing in three out of four patients with metasta...