Feasibility of Obtaining and Characterizing Circulating Tumorigenic Cells in Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Feasibility of Obtaining and Characterizing Circulating Tumorigenic Cells in Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

The purpose of this study is to collect blood samples and study cancer cells found in these blood samples from patients with pancreatic cancer. Prior research has discovered that tumor cells can be collected from the blood of patients with pancreatic and other cancers.

The physicians have developed techniques for isolating and analyzing cancer cells using a simple blood test. They will study how these cells relate to how chemotherapy works. They hope to use this information to guide choices of treatment for patients in the future.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histological or cytological diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, confirmed at MSKCC.
• Patient eligible for chemotherapy treatment.
• Prior surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma is permitted.
• ECOG performance status 0-2.
• A minimum age of 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known to be HIV positive on antiretroviral therapy
• Prior organ allograft
• Any medical or psychiatric condition that may interfere with the ability to comply with protocol procedures