New radiation approach could cut treatment time for rare skin cancer

NCT ID NCT05100095

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase II trial is testing whether a shorter course of higher-dose radiation (hypofractionated) can effectively treat Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer. The study aims to see if this approach controls the tumor and nearby lymph nodes for at least two years, while being more convenient and less harmful to the immune system. About 52 patients with no distant spread of the cancer will receive this radiation after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Hypofractionated radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a more convenient and less immunosuppressive radiation schedule for Merkel cell carcinoma patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 52 participants. The shorter radiation schedule may not control the cancer as well as standard treatment, and side effects could still occur.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

M D Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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