NCT01775072 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Genomic Profiling in Cancer Patients
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to determine whether certain genes in cancer may be abnormal. When a gene is abnormal this is called a mutation. Most mutations in cancer cells are not inherited (passed down from parents) but happen after birth in the cancer itself. Most cancers have many mutations. Some of these mutations are important for the cancer cells to survive while others are not.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to determine whether certain genes in cancer may be abnormal. When a gene is abnormal this is called a mutation. Most mutations in cancer cells are not inherited (passed down from parents) but happen after birth in the cancer itself. Most cancers have many mutations. Some of these mutations are important for the cancer cells to survive while others are not. The goal of this study is test cancer for certain mutations using leftover tumor tissue from a previous surgery or biopsy. Participants will also be asked to provide a tube of blood cheek (also known as a buccal) swab, or a saliva sample that contains normal genes for comparison. The purpose of Part B of this study is to: Understand how genetic changes in tumor effect the chance of responding to experimental cancer treatment. Understand how the genes in the tumor change overtime in response to targeted cancer treatment.
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 a history of cancer or patients without a documented cancer history undergoing a surgical procedure, endoscopy, biopsy, or liquid biopsy (for example cell free DNA testing) to confirm or exclude a cancer diagnosis, or
- Any participant having a test or procedure that has the potential to provide a specimen that can be banked for future research purposes, or
- Any participant who has already had a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure that has yielded tissue, blood or other bodily fluids presently in the archive but who has not yet been approached to participate is also eligible. Part B:
- Patients must be successfully registered to Part A of MSKCC IRB# 12-245
- Prior written approval for patient consent obtained from the Principal/Co-Principal Investigator of MSKCC IRB # 12-245. Part C:
- Patient must be receiving ongoing care at MSK or a CHERPn/ Alliance/Affiliate site or have previously consulted with an MSK physician.
- Patient must have successfully consented to Part A of this study. Part D:
- Patients with no personal cancer history at increased risk for cancer development due to family history, molecular cancer marker, know carrier status of a gene associated with increased cancer risk or prior/ongoing environmental exposures or lifestyle factors.
Exclusion criteria
- Unwilling or unable to provide informed consent. Part C:
- All patients consenting to Part A are eligible to consent to 12-245, Part C. Most patients will be eligible to receive clinical germline testing with return of results to the patient/health care providers. However, several exclusion criteria apply and are outlined below
- Solid tumor patients: Secondary germline analysis using BAM files generated for MSK-IMPACT testing is not an option for patients with solid tumors and an acute or chronic hematologic neoplasm that would preclude the use of blood or saliva as a source of germline DNA. Such patient may be eligible for primary germline testing using a non-blood source of germline DNA as per standard clinical guidelines. Solid tumor patients who have had an allogenic bone marrow/stem cell transplant will only be considered eligible for germline testing under Part C if a sample adequate for germline testing had previously been collected prior to allogenic bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
- Hematologic cancer patients: For patients with a hematopoietic neoplasm, germline testing may be an option under Part C using nail clippings or another non-blood source of DNA as per standard clinical practice. For patients who have had an allogenic bone marrow/stem cell transplant, clinical germline testing will only be considered under Part C if a sample adequate for germline testing had previously been collected prior to Allogenic bone marrow/stem cell transplant. Part D
Where
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Norwalk, Connecticut
- Miami, Florida
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Brooklyn, New York
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- Jamaica, New York
- New York, New York
And 4 more locations — see the full list below.
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 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations