This research trial studies the use of targeted genomic analysis of blood and tissue samples from patients with cancer. Genomic sequencing is a laboratory method that is used to determine the entire genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type. Genomic sequencing can be used to find changes in areas of the genome that may be important in the development of cancer. It may also help doctors improve ways to diagnose and treat patients with rare cancers with poor prognosis or lack of effective therapy.
Karnofsky/Lansky performance score >= 30
A signed written informed consent
Evaluation in surgical/medical/radiation oncology/radiology clinic, with a history of biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of cancer of rare histology and/or poor prognosis with standard therapy; priority will be given to rare cancers with poor prognosis and lack of effective standard therapy; study principal investigator (PI) or designee will review and approve each case before enrollment
Paraffin blocks of the patient's tumor tissue are available and accessible for analysis
Karnofsky/Lansky performance score < 30
Life expectancy < 3 months
Persons with Cancer
Cohort
Prospective
Cytology Specimen Collection Procedure
Other interventionUndergo collection of blood samples
Laboratory Biomarker Analysis
Other interventionCorrelative studies
Frequencies of individual specific mutations and combinations of mutations of related pathway genes
Descriptive analysis will be used to determine frequencies of specific mutations and to determine the pathways that can be targeted most frequently in patients with rare/poor prognosis cancer.
Rate of actionable mutations in rare and/or poor prognosis cancers
The actual rate of mutations found in this study will be determined to estimate the true underlying mutation rate.
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Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Collaborator
