MCC Experts Gather at 9th Nordic / 2nd European Merkel Cell Carcinoma Meeting

Joining over 70 clinicians, trainees, and researchers from across Europe and the United States, an international cohort of the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute members traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, to take part in the 9th Nordic / 2nd European Merkel Cell Carcinoma Meeting on August 28-29, 2025, for two days of collaboration and discovery.  

The annual multidisciplinary meeting is dedicated to advancing understanding of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)—from basic biology to clinical care. Experts in diagnostics, treatment, virology, histopathology, and translational research came together to present new findings, exchange ideas, and shape future projects in the field.

"Coming together at a meeting dedicated to this rare cancer is unique. There were opportunities to exchange ideas about science and clinical care for MCC with researchers from around the world – it was truly an amazing experience!" –Candice Church, PhD, MC3 Institute Director of Scientific Research

This year’s meeting welcomed 75 participants representing 10 countries: Denmark (4), France (3), Germany (10), Italy (4), Norway (4), Sweden (23), Switzerland (1), The Netherlands (4), the UK (1), and the US (21). 

We extend our gratitude to the organizing committee: Weng-Onn Lui (Karolinska Institutet), John Paoli (University of Gothenburg), Nicole Fischer (UKE Hamburg), Jürgen Becker, Lisa Villabona (Karolinska Institutet), and Thibault Kervarrec (University of Tours). 

Special thanks as well to The Swedish Cancer Society (Cancerfonden), Merck, and the Svenby Family for their generous support in making this international collaboration possible. 

Congratulations to this year’s speakers, whose expertise and scholarship continue to drive progress in MCC research and patient care.