Identification of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Lung Cancer Patients

Identification of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Lung Cancer Patients (Old Title: Significance of CD44 and or Epithelial Specific Antigen Positive Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Lung Cancer Patients) (LUN0017)

The primary aim of this study is to determine whether we can identify human lung cancer tumor cells in the peripheral blood of lung cancer patients.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether we can identify lung cancer cells circulating in the peripheral blood of lung cancer patients using cell surface markers found on cancer cells such as CD44 and epithelial specific antigen.

Inclusion Criteria:Inclusion Criteria:Inclusion Criteria (Cases):

1. Advanced stage (IIIB with malignant effusion or IV) histologically or cytologically confirmed NSCLC
2. Patients must be newly diagnosed (untreated) or have evidence of disease progression at the time of sample collection
3. ability to sign informed consent
4. at least 18 years of age

Inclusion Criteria (Controls):

1. no known prior or active malignancy
2. ability to sign informed consent
3. at least 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria:1. history of any other cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer within the last 5 years Exclusion Criteria:1. history of any other cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer within the last 5 years

2. pregnant women