Tissue collection during breast cancer surgery
Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Breast Cancer: Tissue and Specimen Collection
This project collects and stores tumor tissue from women having surgery for breast cancer so researchers can use the samples in future lab studies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 10000 (estimated) |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT00898131 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational effort collects tumor tissue from women undergoing surgical treatment for breast cancer and stores the samples for future laboratory work. Collected specimens are processed and used to create tumor-type microarrays for internal use by the Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). There is no experimental treatment involved; participation means consenting to donate tissue removed during clinically indicated surgery. The study aims to enroll up to 1,250 patients to build a broadly useful tissue resource.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women with breast cancer who are scheduled for surgical removal of their tumor and are willing to donate the removed tissue are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People not having surgery, those who decline tissue donation, or those whose samples are inadequate would not be enrolled and would not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tissue collection could enable future discoveries of biomarkers and treatment targets that improve diagnosis and care for people with breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Biobanking tumor tissue and creating microarrays is a well-established approach that has supported many discoveries in cancer biology and biomarker development.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Undergoing surgery for breast cancer
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Piotr Kulesza, MD, PhD — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Seema Khan, MD
- Email: cancertrials@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-695-1301
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.