Anti Merkel Cell Panel
General Information
Lab Name
Anti Merkel Cell Panel
Lab Code
AMERK
Epic Name
Anti Merkel Cell Panel
Description
All samples include testing for antibodies to the Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) oncoprotein. In addition, screening for the Merkel cell polyomavirus VP1 capsid antibody is done once, on the first sample ordered for AMERK testing (AMERK2) and billed separately. The VP1 capsid antibody test is reflexively added to the order by the laboratory.
SmT oncoprotein antibodies are present in the blood of 50% of patients when they have clinically detectable Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). In patients who make oncoprotein antibodies, titers are expected to decrease significantly within 3 months of successful treatment of MCC. Changes in oncoprotein titers of less than 25% may not be biologically significant. A significant rise in titer or stabilization above 2000 STU may be associated with persistent or recurrent MCC.
References
1. Paulson et al., Antibodies to Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigen Oncoproteins Reflect Tumor Burden in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patients, Cancer Research (2010) 70:8388.
2. Paulson et al., Viral Oncoprotein Antibodies as a Marker for Recurrence of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Validation Study, Cancer (2017) 123:1464.
Synonyms
AMEKR2, MCC, MCPyV, Merkel cell carcinoma, polyomavirus oncoprotein antibodies, polyomavirus VP1 capsid antibody, small T antibodies
Components
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| MCSTT | Merkel Oncoprotein Ab Titer |
| MCSTI | Merkel Oncoprotein Ab Interp |
| MCSTT2 | Prior Merkel Oncoprotein Ab |
| MCPREV | Date of Prior Sample |
| MCDSI | Merkel Disease Status Interp 1 |
| MCDSI2 | Merkel Disease Status Interp 2 |
| MCMTH1 | Merkel Anti SmT Method |
Interpretation
Method
Laboratory developed Luminex paramagnetic bead, multiplex assay
Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes
Established by testing of 104 normal blood donors.
Interferences and Limitations
Lipemia may increase results 15-20% (in procedure)
Screening for the Merkel cell polyomavirus VP1 capsid antibody is done once, on the first sample ordered for AMERK testing (and billed separately). This assay is used to screen Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) patients for current or prior infection with the Merkel cell polyomavirus. Patients who lack these antibodies should not be monitored with additional AMERK testing because they do not make antibodies to the viral oncoprotein and should be monitored by other means. VP1 capsid antibodies are not an indicator of disease activity.
Guidelines
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
6 mL blood in RED TOP or SST tube
Forms & Requisitions
Handling Instructions
Centrifuge and separate serum within 4 hours of collection.
Stability: Temperatures up to 26°C: 7 days; Frozen at -20°C: Long Term
Quantity
requested: 2 mL serum
minimum: 0.5 mL serum
Processing
Centrifuge and separate serum within 4 hours of collection.
SPS: Refrigerate serum. Send copy of the requisition to Immunology.
Stability: Temperatures up to 26°C: 7 days; Frozen at -20°C: Long Term
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Immunology (IMM)
Performing Location(s)
| UW-MT |
Immunology
206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room NW220, |
|---|
Frequency
Set-up on Mondays, Results available in 3-4 weeks.
Available STAT?
No