The 4th International Merkel Cell Carcinoma Symposium

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. This scientific symposium will focus on the epidemiology, carcinogenesis, and management of MCC. The symposium will include a Keynote presentation on Merkel cell polyomavirus from Dr. Yuan Chang (UPMC Department of Pathology), who discovered the virus together with her collaborator Dr. Patrick Moore in 2008. Other presentations will be from leaders in the field and selected abstracts and will emphasize new, unpublished work. Topics will span the range from foundational science to translational studies to clinical trials. Roundtable / debate-style discussions will be centered on pressing questions in the field including how best to address immunotherapy resistance, the relevance of viral integration and transcription in driving clinical outcomes, and the future of molecularly-targeted and orthogonal immunotherapeutic approaches. Registration is open to physicians, health professionals, scientists, and trainees in academia and industry. Patients and patient advocates are highly encouraged to attend.

Target audience

This activity is intended for scientists at all levels: senior and early stage principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, medical and graduate students, residents, clinical fellows, and staff scientists, as well as a substantial number of clinicians (oncologists, dermatologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists), clinician-investigators, allied health professionals, and patient advocates.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify challenges and knowledge gaps in MCC research.
• Assess opportunities to improve the understanding of MCC biology, pathogenesis, and therapy.
• Use networking among MCC researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates for the benefit of the patient community.
• Apply strategies to improve interest and engagement in the MCC research community and patient care environments.

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT FOR A POSTER PRESENTATION

The deadline for poster submission is Monday, February 23, 2026

For more information on abstract submissions, please review the following document:  Abstract Submission Guidelines MCC4.pdf

Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
Upon successful completion of this activity, if you wish to receive MOC Part 2 points you will need to enter your ABIM ID number and birthday (month/day) in your profile. The Mass General Brigham Office of Continuing Professional Development will verify completion of the activity and report to the ABIM. Diplomates are responsible for checking their ABIM Portfolio for confirmation of MOC Part 2 points.

MOC Recognition Statement
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 11.5 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Registration instructions

Cancellation Policy:
Registrations cancelled on or before March 30, 2026 will be refunded, less a $50 administrative fee. Registrations cancelled after March 30, 2026 will not be refunded.

Contact mgbcpd@mgb.org if you require assistance in cancelling your online registration.

Additional information

Mass Eye and Ear, Mass General Brigham, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 

Faculty credentials

Course Director

Ann W. Silk, MD, MS
Symposium Co-Chair,
Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Planning Committee

Isaac Brownell, MD, PhD
Symposium Co-Chair,
Dermatology Branch, NIAMS, NIH

James A. DeCaprio, MD
Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Danielle N Margalit, MD, MPH
Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

David Miller, MD, PhD
Departments of Medicine and Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital

Manisha Thakuria, MD
Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Sophia Shalhout, PhD
Otolaryngology,
Massachusetts Eye & Ear;
Harvard Medical School

Stewart Landers, JD
Patient Advocate,
Senior Technical Advisor and Director of Boston Health Services,
JSI Research & Training Institute

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Mass General Brigham and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Mass General Brigham is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team

Credit Designation Statements

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM
Mass General Brigham designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Program

Day 1: Monday, April 27, 2026 | 9:00am – 6:10pm

Day 2: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 8:00am – 12:30pm