Molecular Markers and Genetic Markers in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Cancer

Molecular and Genetic Markers in the Local-regional Management of Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

RATIONALE: Studying samples of tumor tissue from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about changes that occur in DNA and identify biomarkers related to cancer.

PURPOSE: This research study is looking at molecular markers and genetic markers in patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer.

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

• Determine local-regional control in patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer, as a function of expression of specific molecular/genetic markers.

Secondary

• Determine complications of radiation therapy for patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer.

OUTLINE: Previously collected tissue samples are analyzed using immunohistochemical staining and other molecular/genetic study methods to detect markers, including p53, cyclin D1, HER-2-neu, bcl-2/BAX, and EGFR. Patient charts are also reviewed with emphasis on local-regional relapse.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Diagnosis of cancer
• Undergoing radiation therapy for malignant disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Not specified

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics