Gastrointestinal Biomarkers in Tissue and Biological Fluid Samples from Colorectal Cancer Patients

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · May 9, 2009

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on studying specific markers in the body that could help doctors understand gastrointestinal (GI) cancers better. Researchers will collect samples of tissues, blood, urine, stool, and other fluids from both cancer patients and healthy volunteers who are having procedures like colonoscopy or endoscopy. The goal is to find out more about these biomarkers, which are substances that can indicate the presence of cancer or other GI issues.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be between the ages of 65 and 74 and must have either a diagnosis of GI cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, or a history of these conditions. They should also be undergoing a colonoscopy or endoscopy at specific medical centers. Participants can expect to provide samples during their medical procedure, and they will need to give their consent to be part of the study. It's important to note that participants should not be pregnant, should have a certain level of hemoglobin in their blood, and must not have any bleeding disorders. Overall, this research aims to enhance the understanding of GI cancers and improve future patient care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• • Undergoing colonoscopy or endoscopy for diagnostic or screening purposes at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center or at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center AND
• * Meets 1 of the following criteria:
• • Diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease
• • History of previously treated GI cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• • Capable of giving informed consent
• • Not mentally or medically impaired
• • No bleeding disorder
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• • See Disease Characteristics