Biomarkers in Plasma Specimens From Patients Treated on Study CALGB-80303

Validation of Circulating Biomarkers Using the Immunological Multiparameter Chip Technology (IMPACT) on Plasma Specimens Collected on CALGB 80303

RATIONALE: Studying plasma samples from patients with pancreatic cancer in the laboratory may help doctors identify and learn more about biomarkers related to cancer.

PURPOSE: This research trial studies biomarkers in samples from patients with pancreatic cancer treated on study CALGB-80303.

OBJECTIVES:

• To determine whether the observed predictive value of plasma VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 for overall survival (OS) in study BO17706 can be replicated in study CALGB-80303 using the same Immunological Multiparameter Chip Technology (IMPACT) assay.
• To determine whether the observed predictive value of plasma VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 for progression-free survival (PFS), and other circulating biomarkers in study BO17706, can be replicated in study CALGB-80303 using the same IMPACT assay.
• To explore the relationship between efficacy and other biomarkers measured in the plasma samples.

OUTLINE: The samples required for this study are stored in the CALGB Pathology Coordinating Office at The Ohio State University from patients enrolled on protocol CALGB-80303. No additional samples are required from patients.

The following markers are analyzed in EDTA plasma samples using the Immunological MultiParameter Chip Technology (IMPACT) a Roche proprietary multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) platform: VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, E-selectin, VEGF-R3, IL-8, bFGF, PDGF-C, ICAM-1, and PlGF.

Patients must have been registered to CALGB-80303

• Histologically or cytologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the pancreas
• Locally advanced or metastatic disease