Evaluation of Cell Changes in Blood and Tissue in Cancers of the Lung, Esophagus and Lung Lining

Launched by NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) · Oct 19, 2005

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how certain cancers, specifically those affecting the lung, esophagus, and lung lining, change the structure of cells in the blood and tissue. Researchers are particularly interested in a material called chromatin, which is found in our cells and can be altered in cancer. By understanding these changes, the goal is to find better treatments for these types of cancers. Participants in the study will have the chance to provide small samples of their tumor, normal tissue, and blood, which will help scientists learn more about how these cancers work and how patients might respond to different treatments.

To be eligible for this trial, patients should be at least 2 years old and diagnosed with specific types of cancers, including lung or esophageal cancer. Participants will undergo some standard tests and procedures, such as bronchoscopy (a way to look inside the lungs) and possibly thoracoscopy (a method to sample tumors on the lung's surface), both typically done under anesthesia. The study is currently recruiting, and while it aims to help develop new treatment options, patients will continue to receive standard care from their doctors if that’s more appropriate for their situation. This research could provide valuable insights into cancer and potentially improve future therapies.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Patients with potentially malignant or suspicious lesions, or with biopsy proven lung cancers or esophageal cancers, malignant pleural mesotheliomas, mediastinal or chest wall neoplasms, thymoma/thymic carcinomas, or thoracic metastases from cancers of non-thoracic origin.
• • Patients must have an ECOG performance score of 0-2.
• • Patients must be 2 years of age or older. Note: Patients \>= 2 and \< 18 years of age may participate in research sample collection if the tissue acquisition is performed during a clinically indicated surgical procedure, and the sampling of tissue, blood and urine does not add risk to the clinically indicated procedures.
• • Patients must be aware of the nature of his/her illness. The patient must be willing to undergo standard intervention that may include endoscopic biopsies of tumor and adjacent normal tissues, and to provide blood and urine samples to support ongoing laboratory research endeavors pertaining to the epigenetics of thoracic malignancies.
• • Ability of subject, their parents/guardians or legally authorized representative (LAR) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • None