NCT00242723 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Evaluation of Cell Changes in Blood and Tissue in Cancers of the Lung, Esophagus and Lung Lining
What this study is about
Background: * Chromatin is is the structural building block of a chromosome. It is found inside the nucleus of the cell and consists of a complex of DNA and protein. * Cancers of the lung, pleura (lung lining) and esophagus show profound changes in chromatin structure that may affect the course of disease in patients.
View original scientific description
Background: * Chromatin is is the structural building block of a chromosome. It is found inside the nucleus of the cell and consists of a complex of DNA and protein. * Cancers of the lung, pleura (lung lining) and esophagus show profound changes in chromatin structure that may affect the course of disease in patients. * A better understanding of these diseases and the genetic changes associated with them may be helpful in developing new treatments for them. Objectives: * To evaluate people with cancer of the lung, pleura or esophagus for participation in NCI clinical trials. * To obtain biopsies (small pieces of tissue) from tumor, normal tissue and blood samples to learn more about the cellular changes in blood and tissue in tumors of the lung, esophagus and pleura and surrounding structures in the chest. Eligibility: Patients 2 years of age and older with cancer of the lung, esophagus, pleura, mediastinum or chest wall, or cancers of other origin that have invaded the lung. Note: Patients \>= 2 years of age and under 18 years of age may only participate in research sample collection. Design: * Up to 1310 patients may be included in this study. * Patients undergo standard tests for evaluating the stage of their disease and for determining eligibility for an NCI investigational treatment study. * All patients undergo bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage ("washing" with salt water) to assess their tumor and collect a sample of normal tissue. Patients whose tumor is located on the outside portion of the lung may also undergo thoracoscopy to obtain a tumor sample. For bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage a tube with a light is passed through the nose or mouth into the lungs to examine the airways. Salt water is injected through the tube and then withdrawn to obtain cells for laboratory studies. For the thoracoscopy a small tube with a light is put through a small hole in the chest to obtain the tumor sample. Both procedures are usually done under general anesthesia. The tissue is examined to identify cell characteristics of people who respond to certain therapies and to identify markers on the surface of the tissue that may be useful in future research and treatment. * Blood and urine samples are collected from patients. * Patients who are eligible for a treatment study at NCI are offered participation in the study. * Patients for whom standard surgery, radiation or chemotherapy is more appropriate may receive treatment at NCI or with their own physician. * Patients who receive treatment at NCI return for follow-up examinations 4 weeks after discharge and then every 2 to 4 months depending on the nature of their cancer.
Primary outcome measures
to obtain specimens for research
Time frame: open-ended
specimens for research
permit evaluation of patients referred to the Thoracic Surgery Branch, NCI in order to identify individuals who will be suitable candidates for treatment/intervention protocols
Time frame: open ended
evaluation of patients referred to the Thoracic Surgery Branch, NCI in order to identify individuals who will be suitable candidates for treatment/intervention research protocols
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
- 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.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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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 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations