RATIONALE: Measuring levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the blood of patients with epithelial cancers (head and neck, lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate) may help doctors predict how patients will respond to treatment with radiation therapy. PURPOSE: This research study is measuring levels of TGF-beta in patients with epithelial cancers who are undergoing radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVES: * To determine whether there is a dose-dependent increase in TGF-beta following radiotherapy in patients with epithelial cancers. OUTLINE: Patients undergo blood sample collection prior to treatment, 24-72 hours after the first fraction of radiotherapy, and at the end of radiotherapy. Patients will also be asked for a weekly blood sample, but this is optional. Samples are analyzed to compare pre- and post-treatment TGF-beta levels.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
25
Venipuncture for blood samples. Samples will be tested for TGF-beta.
Radiation treatments vary according to type of cancer and by patient per doctors' recommendation
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center - Cool Springs
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center at Franklin
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
TGF-beta levels
TGF-beta is a protein that can be detected in the blood.
Time frame: day 1 prior to treatment, 24-72 hours after 1st treatment, weekly at treatment (optional) and at completion of treatment
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