Development of a Tumor Molecular Analyses Program and Its Use to Support Treatment Decisions

The primary objective of this specimen correlative study is two-fold: to provide a mechanism for the association of known molecular alterations with clinical outcomes, and to provide rapid genetic profiling of alterations with known clinical utility using tumor and germline specimens to support treatment decisions.

Cancer patients seen at the UNC Cancer Hospital and its clinics

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Current or prospective cancer patients; current cancer patients must have histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of cancer

2. Tumor tissue available and suitable for molecular analyses from at least one of the following sources:

   • Tissue previously stored in UNC's Tissue Procurement Facility (TPF)
   • Patient undergoing tissue collection as per clinical standard of care and willing to have additional specimens taken for research
   • Patient willing to undergo biopsy for purpose of research only

3. The following inclusion criteria apply only to patients undergoing biopsy for research purposes only under this protocol:

   • ≥18 years of age
   • Treatment options offer no expectation of cure, e.g., advanced solid tumor patients with metastatic disease. NOTE: This restriction applies to biopsy of vital organs only, e.g., lung, liver, etc.
   • Appropriate candidate for research biopsy based on institutional standards for target biopsy site

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Dementia, altered mental status, or any psychiatric condition or co-morbid condition that would prohibit the understanding or rendering of informed consent.
2. The following exclusion criteria apply only to enrolled patients undergoing biopsy for research purposes only:
3. History of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction to local anesthetics (i.e. lidocaine, xylocaine) or any medications used for conscious sedation (if applicable).
4. Pregnant or lactating women
5. Active cardiac disease
6. Patients receiving bevacizumab less than 6 weeks prior to enrollment into this study should not undergo research core biopsies because of the concern for potential increased bleeding risk and delayed healing. (NOTE: Patients receiving bevacizumab who are undergoing a research biopsy of accessible organs (e.g. breast, lymph node, skin etc.) must be two weeks from the last dose of the angiogenesis inhibitor).