Circulating Cytokines as Predictors of Radiation Induced Pulmonary Toxicity

Circulating Cytokines as Predictors of Radiation Induced Pulmonary Toxicity in Thoracic Malignancies

This study is being conducted by the University of Rochester Cancer Center to determine the levels of cytokines in the blood, and to determine if blood levels of these cytokines are related to the side effects of radiation therapy combined with other treatments.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer combined with surgery either pre or post RT to the chest for lung cancer not associated with atelectasis, pleural effusion.

Patients receiving HDR Brachytherapy for lung cancer.

Patients receiving concomitant radiation and interferon therapy for lung cancer.

Patients receiving concomitant chemotherapy and radiation for lung cancer. Prior drug therapy does not make patients ineligible.

Karnofsky ≥ 70 %.

There are no age restrictions.

Acceptable bone marrow function - WBC 2 3000/mm3, platelet count > 100,000, hematocrit ≥ 33%, hemoglobin ≥ 11 gms/dl.

Life expectancy > 6 months.

Patients must sign informed consent meeting all federal and institutional guidelines.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients not meeting eligibility criteria stated above