Circulating Tumor Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Phase 2 Study of Circulating Tumor Cell in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

The purpose of this study is to establish the circulating tumor cell (CTC) assay as a surrogate for tissue diagnosis of suspected primary lung cancer. This is done through evaluating clinical and molecular markers to stratify the outcome/survival in patients with thoracic malignancies treated at Yale University/Yale-New Haven Hospital, University of California San Diego/Moores Cancer Center, Billings Clinic Cancer Center.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Suspected lung cancer
• Planned to undergo tissue biopsy. Tissue biopsy does not need to be limited to an intrathoracic structures. Biopsies of the supraclavicular lymph nodes are allowed
• Age >18

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with history of a separate (not a primary lung cancer) malignancy within past two years.
• Recent history (past two weeks) of trauma (INCLUDING diagnostic surgery, biopsy, etc)
• Prior lung cancer treatment chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, etc. in past two years.
• Inability to provide informed consent.
• Hgb less than 8.