Reuters Health: Merkel cell cancers recur more often than other skin cancers
UC expert says early detection of recurrence is important for treatment
New research shows that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) recurs in patients much more often than other skin cancers, often within three years of diagnosis.
MCC is a more rare skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule on the skin, often on the face, head or neck.
Rekha Chaudhary, MD, adjunct associate professor at the UC College of Medicine and a UC Health oncologist, reviewed the research and told Reuters Health that new immunotherapy treatments have proven effective against MCC recurrence, making early detection of recurrence important.
"This study was very helpful in predicting those rates of recurrence," she said. "Following an MCC patient who has had a complete resection closely is very important now, given the new innovative treatments, and national guidelines should be adjusted accordingly."
Read the Reuters Health article.
Featured photo at top of Dr. Chaudhary. Photo/Colleen Kelley/University of Cincinnati.
Related Stories
University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center to Host Ninth Annual Red & Black Blast
December 18, 2025
The University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center will host its ninth annual Red & Black Blast on February 25, 2026, at Tangeman University Center. The signature event celebrates and supports the Center’s four programs—CEES, TAP, IMPACT Innovation, and RAAC—which create pathways in education, employment, and community life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Ohio looks to fast-track wastewater discharge permits
December 16, 2025
Bradford Mank, James B. Helmer Jr. Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with WVXU for a story about a proposal by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to streamline the way wastewater discharge permits are issued to data centers.
Tariff troubles for online shoppers
December 16, 2025
This year’s new regulations on tariffs and customs are leaving holiday shoppers with unexpected fees on some of their purchases, according to recent reporting by WLWT. Associate Dean of Impact and Partnerships for the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business Charles Sox spoke to WLWT about why shoppers are only just now feeling the impact, despite these policies being in effect for months.