p63 expression in Merkel cell carcinoma predicts poorer survival yet may have limited clinical utility.

Objectives: To determine the clinical utility of p63 expression, which has been identified in several cohorts as a predictor of poorer prognosis in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine p63 expression on MCC tumors from 128 patients.

Results: Of the patients, 33% had detectable p63 expression.