C11 AMT Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging in Patients With Metastatic Invasive Breast Cancer

NCI 8701: A Pilot Study Utilizing C11 Alpha Methyl Tryptophan (AMT) PET Functional Imaging in Patients With Metastatic Invasive Breast Cancer Treated With 1 Methyl D Tryptophan Plus the Ad p53 DC Vaccine

The purpose of this research project is to create images of where and how the amino acid (the building blocks of proteins)Tryptophan is processed in normal and abnormal tissue in the patient's body. Tryptophan is a normal building block of proteins in the body. Sometimes in the case of cancer and other diseases, Tryptophan is processed abnormally, and possible treatments for this abnormality are of great interest because of the potential to improve cancer care.

Coordinating Center: Southeast Phase 2 Consortium (SEP2C), Moffitt Cancer Center.

Research participation involves up to three experimental imaging examination visits in radiology: a baseline before the patient starts a cancer treatment, a follow-up a few days later, and a later follow up to see how the treatment may affect normal or abnormal processing of Tryptophan.

The research imaging results will be linked with other evidence of the patient's disease, but will not effect their care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must be enrolled on the NCI 8461/MCC 16025 study.
• Consent for participation in this companion imaging study and be able to successfully complete a minimum of two AMT PET/CT scans.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients must not meet any of the exclusion criteria for the NCI 8461/ MCC 16025 study.
• Not have any medical conditions prohibiting the successful completion of a minimum of two AMT PET/CT scans.