To learn about the basics of breast cancer biology, please refer to our Glossary, and view the webpages listed in the More Information section.

Prostate cancer genomic profiles are currently not available to doctors or patients for making treatment decisions. Because genomic profiling is a new tool still under development, we conduct clinical trials to collect information. Our current genomic trials collect information from men with either localized or metastatic disease. Dr. Phillip Febbo is leading this research program. Click here for information on our available clinical trials or call 919-681-2056 to speak to Dr. Phillip Febbo's research team.

If you were recently diagnosed with prostate cancer or have metastatic prostate cancer, you may be able to take part in one of our clinical trials that collect information about prostate cancer and genomic profiles. Our trials take place at Duke University Medical Center. Click here for information on our available clinical trials or call 919-681-2056 to speak to Dr. Phillip Febbo's research team.

Patients who have had surgery prior to enrolling in a trial can not usually take part in a genomic profile information collection trial. Most non-trial tumor samples cannot be used to obtain a genomic profile. To obtain a profile we can study, we need fresh tumor tissue that has been frozen immediately after removal. Freezing fresh tissue preserves the genetic material needed for genomic profiling. Most hospitals preserve (fix) tumor samples in paraffin. This method breaks down the genetic material we need. We can only study the genomic profile from the tumor if a fresh frozen tumor sample is available. If you previously had your prostate removed for prostate cancer and your cancer has now metastasized, you may be able to participate in a trial involving your metastatic cancer. Click here for information on our available clinical trials or call 919-681-2056 to speak to Dr. Phillip Febbo's research team.

No, at this time genomic profiles can not be done on preserved tumor samples. To obtain a profile, we need fresh tumor tissue that has been frozen immediately after removal. Freezing fresh tissue preserves the genetic material needed for genomic profiling. Most hospitals preserve (fix) tumor samples in paraffin. This method breaks down the genetic material we need. Therefore we cannot provide a genomic profile for tumor tissue preserved in paraffin at this time.

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.

A genetic counselor is a valuable resource for questions about a family history of prostate cancer. You can find a genetic counselor near you through the web site of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Our research is moving to where genomic profiles can be used to identify prostate cancers that are more likely to recur following surgery. We are collecting more information about this in our clinical trial CALGB 90203. This trial is open to men with high-risk, localized prostate cancer having removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy). Click here for information on our available clinical trials or call 919-681-2056 to speak to Dr. Phillip Febbo's research team.

Unfortunately, we do not yet have a tumor genomic profile that could help those who are not receiving chemotherapy. Our research at Duke University Medical Center aims to understand high risk, localized prostate cancer and metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer by explaining the characteristics and behavior of individual tumors. In the future, we may expand our research to include other types of prostate cancer. To find clinical trials at a hospital near you or to learn more about cancer, please call the National Cancer Institute information line: 1-800-4-CANCER.