Abstract Library

#2297 Merkel Cell Carcinomas in New Zealand: Virus or Ultra Violet?

Introduction: Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare Neuroendocrine skin tumour. MCC behavior is more aggressive than the more common Melanoma, with treatments often restricted to surgery or radiotherapy, although immunotherapy holds promise overseas. In 2008, a USA study identified an oncogenic polyomavirus (MCPyV) present in eight of ten tested MCC tumours. Studies from across Europe and the USA confirmed MCPyV presence in ~80% of all MCCs. However, a cohort from Australia found a rate of just 24%, suggesting an alternative mechanism; ultra violet (UV) exposure was suspected and later confirmed using genomic mutational signature analysis. Are these are two separate diseases, requiring different clinical management strategies for best patient outcomes?

Conference: 15th Annual ENETSConcerence (2018)

Presenting Author: Robb T

Authors: Robb T, Woodhouse B, Parker K, Miller R, Hayward G,

Keywords: merkel, ddPCR, diagnostics, genomics,