Breast Cancer 2-PREVENT Translational Center of Excellence (TCE) - Metastatic Markers of Recurrent Tumor Phenotype for Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer 2-PREVENT Translational Center of Excellence (TCE) - Metastatic Markers of Recurrent Tumor Phenotype for Breast Cancer

This is a cohort study of women with suspected or confirmed recurrent breast cancer, with accessible tumor by standard clinical biopsy, prior to starting a new therapy for recurrent metastatic disease. Study participants will be ascertained from the population of all persons greater than eighteen years of age receiving care at the clinical practices of the Rowan Breast Center (RBC) at the University of Pennsylvania. The overarching goal of this study is to identify the genetic and molecular markers of molecular evolution identified in patients who have progressed from a primary diagnosis of breast cancer to recurrent, metastatic disease. As an observational study, this study seeks to gather data regarding the molecular and genetic changes that a primary cancer undergoes as a patient's cancer recurs and ultimately progresses. We anticipate enrolling 600 women with recurrent breast cancer who meet eligibility requirements for this study. Participation in this study will include the following: a biopsy and blood collection, completion of the study questionnaire, an optional bone marrow aspiration, and repeat collection of blood, offer of a research biopsy and a optional bone marrow aspirate collection at each progression time point. The study participants' medical information will be updated and changes in disease status will be captured on a regular basis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically-confirmed breast cancer - based upon pathology report of the primary or metastatic diagnosis
• Recurrent breast cancer (local, regional, or distant disease) - as determined by either clinical,radiological, or pathological evaluation
• Willing to undergo or provide tissue from a recent biopsy of recurrent tumor for both clinical and research testing
• Willing to undergo blood specimen collection
• Age 18 or over and are able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-metastatic breast cancer (stage I, II or III)
• Anticoagulation that cannot be interrupted for the purpose of study evaluation (patients must have normal INR and PTT at the time of study biopsy)