Collecting blood samples from cancer patients

Biospecimen Acquisition From Human Subjects

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT00034216

This study is collecting blood samples from cancer patients to see how their immune cells change before and after chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1750 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT00034216 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to collect blood samples from patients with various types of cancer, including prostate, breast, colon, lung, and liver cancer, to analyze immune suppressor cells before and after chemotherapy. Participants, aged 18 and older, will have approximately 50 ml of blood drawn, with additional samples taken during treatment if applicable. The study focuses on understanding the immune response and potential biomarkers related to cancer treatment outcomes, utilizing advanced genetic and molecular profiling techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 18 and older with a known or suspected malignancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or are under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of immune suppression in cancer patients and inform future treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using biospecimen analysis to inform cancer treatment strategies, making this approach both relevant and promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Patients with a known or suspected malignancy and healthy volunteers 18 years of age and older are eligible.

Performance status of ECOG 0, 1, 2, or 3 for admission to this protocol.

Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

INCLUSION FOR APHERESIS:

Note: Effective with Amendment CC, participants will no longer be asked to undergo apheresis. This content is being retained for historical reference.

Hemoglobin greater than or equal to 10 mg/dL and platelet count \> 75,000/mm(3)

Weight greater than 25 kg

HIV negative

Prothrombin Time - within normal limits

Partial Thromboplastin Time - within normal limits

Medically indicated central line in place or adequate peripheral venous access

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

None.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prostate CancerBreast CancerColon CancerLung CancerLiver CancerSuppressor CellsT-cellsCD4+ / CD25+ cells
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.