Anti-tumor Immune Response in Patients With Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy

The Effect of Radiation Therapy on Tumor Immunity

This research trial studies the effect of radiation therapy on tumor immunity. Standard radiation therapy destroys tumor cells. In response to tumor cell death caused by radiation therapy, the body has an ability to stimulate an anti-tumor response (immunity), but this response is often ineffective in shrinking tumor tissue. Collecting samples of blood from patients before, during, and after radiation therapy to study in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about the effects of radiation therapy on anti-tumor response.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess the effect of radiation therapy on tumor immunity.

OUTLINE:

Samples of blood are collected before, during, and within two weeks after radiation therapy and then stored for analysis of anti-tumor immunity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed and dated Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved Informed Consent form for the study
• Received an explanation of the study, including satisfactory answers to all questions related to the proposed research
• Is undergoing physician directed radiation treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• The potential Subject is unwilling or hesitant to participate for any reason and/or fails to complete the appropriate Informed Consent form