NCT01915225 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Obtaining Solid Tumor Tissue From People Having Biopsy or Surgery for Certain Types of Cancer
What this study is about
Background: \- Recent advances in cancer research have led to new therapies to treat the disease. It is important to continue these advances and discover new ones. To do that, researchers need tissue samples from solid tumors. This study will collect such samples from people already scheduled to have a procedure at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (NIHCC).
View original scientific description
Background: \- Recent advances in cancer research have led to new therapies to treat the disease. It is important to continue these advances and discover new ones. To do that, researchers need tissue samples from solid tumors. This study will collect such samples from people already scheduled to have a procedure at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (NIHCC). Objectives: \- To collect tissue samples for use in studying new ways to treat tumors. Eligibility: * Adults 18 years and older, with a precancerous or cancerous solid tumor who are scheduled to have surgery or a biopsy at the NIHCC. * Children under the age of 18 but who are older than 2 years of age are eligible to be enrolled on the research sample collection portion of this study if they will have a biopsy or surgery as part of their medical care. Design: * Before their procedure, participants will have a small blood sample taken. * Some participants will undergo leukapheresis. In this procedure, blood is removed through a tube in one arm and circulated through a machine that removes white blood cells. The blood, minus the white blood cells, is returned through a tube in the other arm. The procedure takes 3-4 hours. * For all participants, during the surgery or biopsy, pieces of the tumor and pieces of normal tissue near it will be removed for this study. The rest of the tumor or precancerous growth will be sent to a lab for analysis. * Participants will return to the clinic about 6 weeks after the operation for a routine checkup. Some may have to return for additional follow-up.
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
- Participants must be 2 years of age or older. Note: Participants greater than or equal to 2 and \< 18 years of age may only participate in research sample collection if the tissue acquisition is performed during a clinically indicated surgical procedure, and the biospecimen sampling (e.g., blood, urine, ascites, bile, or \[clinically indicated\] resected tumor tissue) does not add risk to the clinically indicated procedures.
- Participants who have premalignant, primary, or metastatic solid tumors based upon either radiographic or clinical suspicion, biochemical testing, a genetic predisposition, or histological/cytological analysis that requires surgery or biopsy as part of the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and/or follow-up.
- Participants without solid tumors in whom a diagnostic, preventative, or therapeutic intervention is being performed, but for whom surgical quality and safety outcomes data are generated.
- Participants should have laboratory and physical examination parameters within acceptable limits prior to biopsy or surgery.
- Participants must be planning to undergo surgery or biopsy as part of their normal treatment plan.
- Ability of participant, parent/guardian or legally authorized representative (LAR) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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 Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations