NCT01000883 · UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Correlation of Molecular Markers With Response to Therapy and Breast Cancer Behavior
What this study is about
RATIONALE: Studying samples of tumor tissue and blood from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about changes that occur in DNA and identify biomarkers related to cancer. It may also help doctors predict how patients will respond to treatment.
View original scientific description
RATIONALE: Studying samples of tumor tissue and blood from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about changes that occur in DNA and identify biomarkers related to cancer. It may also help doctors predict how patients will respond to treatment.
Interventions
OTHER
biologic sample preservation procedure
approximately 16-20 milligrams of tumor tissue per core will be obtained for research purposes.
OTHER
laboratory biomarker analysis
Evaluation of biomarkers will occur as questions are asked in subsequent correlative studies.
PROCEDURE
biopsy
cancer tissue will be taken from the primary breast cancer site as well as the metastatic tumor sites. Two tubes of whole blood will also be collected.
Primary outcome measures
Generation of a biorepository for current and future correlative research studies
Time frame: Diagnosis, between treatments,7-14 days after start of treatment and at time of definitive therapy
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- High suspicion of or known breast cancer (early or metastatic) Lesion accessible for safe biopsy (as deemed by the treating physician). Age ≥ 18 years. ECOG performance status 0 - 2. Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent document. If receiving therapeutic anticoagulation; it should be discontinued temporarily prior to biopsy for a length of time to be determined by the study doctor. Adequate marrow function, defined as absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 x 109/L and platelets ≥ 100 x 109/L required only for biopsies of vital organs (lung, liver, etc.)
Exclusion criteria
- Concurrent disease or condition that would make the patient inappropriate for study participation or any serious medical or psychiatric disorder that would interfere with the subject's safety. Dementia, altered mental status, or any psychiatric condition that would prohibit the understanding or rendering of informed consent. History of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction to local anesthetics (i.e. lidocaine, xylocaine) Pregnant women are excluded because there may be an increased risk to both mother and fetus in the setting of conscious sedation, which is required for biopsies of certain anatomic sites (e.g. liver, lung). Also, ionizing radiation from CT-guided biopsies may pose a risk to the unborn fetus. Cardiac disease making it unsafe to biopsy in the opinion of the treating physician. If patients receiving bevacizumab or other angiogenesis inhibitors are less than 6 weeks from last dose of the angiogenesis inhibitor, they should not undergo research core biopsies of vital organs (lung, liver, etc.) on this protocol because of the concern for the possibility of increased bleeding risk and delayed healing. Patients receiving bevacizumab or other angiogenesis inhibitors who are undergoing a research biopsy of the breast, peripheral lymph node or a skin punch biopsy must be two weeks from the last dose of the angiogenesis inhibitor.
Where
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations