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Where can I learn about the basics of lung cancer?
To learn about the basics of lung cancer biology, please refer to our Glossary, and view the webpages listed in the More Information section.
Are genomic profiles of NSCLC available to patients?
NSCLC genomic profiles are currently not available to doctors or patients outside of clinical trials. Because genomic profiling is a new technology still under development, the use of genomic profiles needs to be studied in clinical trials. The research will tell us whether or not the tools are effective. Our current trials are for early and advanced NSCLC. Click here for information about our current and upcoming clinical trials or call 919-668-6498 to speak to a member of the genomics clinical trial team.
Can I participate in a clinical trial for my NSCLC that uses genomic profiles?
If you have been diagnosed with stage IB, II, IIIA, IIIB, or stage IV NSCLC, you may be able to participate in our current clinical trial. Our trials study the value of genomic profiles in helping doctors make NSCLC treatment decisions. Our trial takes place at Duke University Medical Center. Click here for information about our current and upcoming genomic clinical trials or call 919-668-6498 to speak to a member of the genomics clinical trial team.
Can I take part in a genomic profile trial if I already had lung cancer surgery?
Patients who have had surgery before enrolling in one of our trials cannot usually take part in a trial to collect genomic profile information. Non-trial tumor samples are usually unsuitable for getting a genomic profile. Most hospitals preserve (fix) tumor samples in paraffin. This method breaks down the genetic material we need. In order to perform the genomic profile, we need fresh tumor tissue that has been frozen immediately after removal.the fresh tissue preserves the genetic material needed for genomic profiling, enabling us to obtain a profile for study.can only study the genomic profile from the tumor if a fresh frozen tumor sample is available. We currently have one clinical trial for men and women who recently had surgical removal of stage IB, II, or IIIA NSCLC and who have fresh frozen tumor available. Click here for information about our current and upcoming clinical trials or call 919-668-6498 to speak to a member of the genomics clinical trial team.
Can I get a genomic profile for my NSCLC if I send you my tumor sample?
Depending on how your tumor was processed at the time of removal, you may be able to get a genomic tumor profile. However, non-trial tumor samples are usually unsuitable for getting a genomic profile. Most hospitals preserve (fix) tumor samples in paraffin. This method breaks down the genetic material we need. In order to perform the genomic profile, we need fresh tumor tissue that has been frozen immediately after removal. Freezing the fresh tissue preserves the genetic material needed for genomic profiling, enabling us to obtain a profile for study. We can only study the genomic profile from the tumor if a fresh frozen tumor sample is available.
Can I get a genomic profile of my NSCLC if I already had therapy for lung cancer?
No, at this time all our current and upcoming trials are for patients who have not had prior chemotherapy. If you have stage IB, II, IIIA, IIIB, or IV NSCLC and have not yet received chemotherapy for this cancer, you may be eligible for our clinical trial. Click here for information about our current and upcoming clinical trials or call 919-668-6498 to speak to a member of the genomics clinical trial team.
Can I be in an NSCLC genomic profile clinical trial if I already had a lung biopsy?
Yes, you may be able to participate in our clinical trial for stage IB, II, IIIA, IIIB, or IV NSCLC if you have had a biopsy, but have not yet received chemotherapy. In the case of early stage lung cancer you would need to enroll in a trial before having surgery to remove the tumor. Click here for information about our current and upcoming clinical trials or call 919-668-6498 to speak to a member of the genomics clinical trial team.
Can a lung cancer genomic profile predict if the tumor will recur?
The Lung Metagene Score (LMS) may be able to determine recurrence risk. Initial results suggest that it can identify NSCLC tumors that are likely to recur. However, this tool is still under development, and it is not available to doctors or patients. We plan to study the LMS in a clinical trial that will open in 2008.
Are you studying genomic profiles for small cell lung cancer?
The IGSP is currently not studying small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, other institutes and centers at Duke University Medical Center may have clinical trials for SCLC. To find clinical trials at a hospital near you or to learn more about cancer, please call the National Cancer Institute hotline: 1-800-4-CANCER.
Can a genomic profile predict the likelihood of lung cancer in someone with a family history of lung cancer?
No, current technology does not allow use of a genomic profile to evaluate cancer risk in someone who has not been diagnosed. This is because genomic profiles must use genetic material from the tumor in order to learn if a tumor is more likely to recur or which chemotherapies may be best for the tumor.
A genetic counselor is a valuable resource for questions about a family history of lung cancer. You can find a genetic counselor near you through the web site of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
A genetic counselor is a valuable resource for questions about a family history of lung cancer. You can find a genetic counselor near you through the web site of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.