Utility of a circulating tumor DNA test for detecting clinically evident and occult Merkel cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background and aims: Approximately 40% of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) develop recurrence or metastasis. Early detection can result in better outcomes, and effective surveillance is critical in MCC management. Established blood-based surveillance technology for MCC includes Merkel cell polyomavirus oncoprotein serology testing; however, this test can only be used in half of MCC patients who produce such antibodies. We assessed whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can accurately detect clinically evident and/or occult MCC in polyomavirus serology positive and negative patients.