ASCO 2021 | Next steps in MCC: new targets and tacking PD-1 resistance

Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, discusses new drug targets in merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). A wide variety of promising targets and novel agents are under investigation. For example, somatostatin analogues, bispecific T-cell engagers, transgenic T-cell receptor-based therapy, and oncolytic virotherapies are all being assessed. Prof. Nghiem emphasizes the importance of developing new drug targets for PD-1-pathway refractory MCC. There is a great need for new agents in this setting where, to date, combined ipilimumab and nivolumab has been shown as the most effective treatment option with around a 20% response rate. This interview took place at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2021 Virtual Meeting.