Cancer Paid Clinical Trials in Maryland

Background: - Some genes may be associated with a greater chance of side effects during cancer treatment. These genes may also make certain treatments less effective. Researchers want to collect blood or cheek swab samples from people having cancer treatment to study these genes. Objectives: - To obtain a blood or cheek swab sample to study genetic differences that may affect cancer treatment. Eligibility: - Individuals with cancer who are being treated at the National Cancer Institute. Design: * Participants will provide a blood sample for study. * Participants who have blood-based cancer, such as leukemia, will provide a cheek swab sample. * If the blood or cheek swab sample does not have enough genetic material for analysis, an additional sample may be collected. Read Less

BACKGROUND * This protocol acknowledges that it is in the interest of the NIH and ROB, as well as our participants, to continue to follow those who have been treated with radiotherapy at ROB and are not otherwise eligible for current active research protocols. * It also provides a mechanism for the correlation and interpretation of disparate data for research into the long term side effects and outcomes for a variety of disease entities and treatments, such as combined modality treatment, MoAb, PDT, radiation modifiers, intraoperative radiotherapy, etc. OBJECTIVE -The primary objective of this protocol is to assess the late effects of treatment and the natural history of disease through collection of data from any standard procedures performed as part of follow up care on participants previously treated with radiotherapy. ELIGIBILITY -Participants who received radiation therapy. DESIGN * This is a natural history protocol in which long-term follow up data will be collected from participants who received radiation therapy. * It will be made clear to participants in the consent form, that data collected during their follow-up may be used anonymously for publications concerning the natural history of disease processes and long-term effects of treatment. Read Less

This study aims to provide long-term follow-up care of patients previously enrolled in a vaccine study that involved poxviral vectors. Vectors are sequences of genetic material that can be used to introduce specific genes into genetic makeup. The study does not involve the use of any drug or biologic agent. Participants will undergo an annual health history. Because certain viruses enter into cells and create proteins from the viral genes, the type of vaccine treatment used is referred to gene therapy. The genes expressed by poxviral vectors do not become part of the genetic material left behind. Because gene therapy is a somewhat new technology, a prolonged monitoring of patients' health status is necessary, according to new specific reporting requirements for harmful events in patients who undergo such gene therapy studies. The risk of any long-term negative effects from the gene therapy that patients had received is quite small. Still, it is important that there be updates at least annually. This annual monitoring of health status will extend for 15 years, according to guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration, or for as long as patients are willing to participate. Patients who received poxviral vectors (vaccinia or fowlpox, or both) at the National Cancer Institute, through a trial affiliated with the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, may be eligible for this study. Participants will be involved in the following forms of data collection: * Annual medical history and physical examinations for the first 5 years following the last vaccine. * Annual telephone contact during the last 10 years. * Health status check, including primary cancer status, secondary malignancies, neurologic disorders, autoimmune disorders, and hematologic disorders. * Blood tests for the presence of HIV antibodies. * Reporting of medical problems, including information on unexpected hospitalizations and medications. If a participant has died, the study will document the cause of death and autopsy information if available. Read Less

This study will investigate the genetic cause of Birt Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome and the relationship of this disorder to kidney cancer. BHD is a rare inherited condition characterized by papules, or bumps-benign tumors involving hair follicles-on the head and neck. People with BHD are at increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Scientists have identified the chromosome (strand of genetic material in the cell nucleus) that contains the BHD gene and the region of the gene on the chromosome. This study will try to learn more about: * The characteristics and type of kidney tumors associated with BHD * The risk of kidney cancer in people with BHD * Whether more than one gene causes BHD * The genetic mutations (changes) responsible for BHD Patients with known or suspected Birt Hogg-Dube syndrome, and their family members, may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a family history and review of medical records, including pathology reports for tumors, and films of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Participants may undergo various tests and procedures, including the following: * Physical examination * Review of personal and family history with a cancer doctor, cancer nurses, kidney surgeon, and genetic counselor * Chest and other x-rays * Ultrasound (imaging study using sound waves) * MRI (imaging study using radiowaves and a magnetic field) * CT scans of the chest and abdomen (imaging studies using radiation) * Blood tests for blood chemistries and genetic testing * Skin evaluation, including a skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small skin tissue sample for microscopic evaluation) * Cheek swab or mouthwash to collect cells for genetic analysis * Lung function studies * Medical photography of skin lesions These tests will be done on an outpatient basis in either one day or over 3 to 4 days. When the studies are complete, participants will receive counseling about the findings and recommendations. Patients with kidney lesions may be asked to return periodically, such as every 3 to 36 months, based on their individual condition, to document the rate of progression of the lesions. Read Less

This study will investigate what causes hereditary leiomyomatosis renal (kidney) cell cancer, or HLRCC, and how the disease is related to the development of kidney tumors. Leiomyomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors arising from smooth muscle. HLRCC can cause various health problems. Some people develop red bumps on their skin that can be painful at times. Some women with HLRCC can develop leiomyomas of the uterus. In some families, people with HLRCC develop kidney tumors. This study will try to determine: * What gene changes (mutations) cause HLRCC * What kind of kidney tumors develop in HLRCC and how they grow * What the chance is that a person with HLRCC will develop a kidney tumor People with known or suspected HLRCC (and their family members of any age) may be eligible for this study. This includes people in families in which one or more members has skin leiomyoma and kidney cancer; skin leiomyoma and uterine leiomyoma; multiple skin leiomyomas; kidney cancer and uterine leiomyomas, or kidney cancer consistent with HLRCC, including, but not limited to, collecting duct or papillary, type II. Candidates will be screened with a physical examination, family history, and, for affected family members, a review of medical records, including pathology slides and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Participants will undergo tests and procedures that may include the following: * Review of medical records, x-rays, and tissue slides * Physical examination and family history * Skin examination * Gynecological examination for women * Interviews with a cancer doctor, cancer nurses, kidney surgeon, and genetic counselor * Blood tests for: 1. Genetic research to identify the gene responsible for HLRCC 2. Evaluation of liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and thyroid function 3. Complete blood count and clotting profile 4. Pregnancy test for pre-menopausal women 5. PSA test for prostate cancer in men over age 40 * CT or MRI scans (for participants 15 years of age and older only) * Skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small sample of skin tissue) * Cheek swab or mouth rinse to collect cells for genetic analysis * Medical photographs of lesions * Questionnaire When the tests are completed, participants will discuss the results with a doctor and possibly a genetic nurse or genetic counselor. The genetic findings will not be revealed to participants because their meaning and implications may not yet be understood. Participants may be asked to return to NIH from every 3 months to every 3 years, depending on their condition, for follow-up examinations and tests. Read Less

This study will collect blood from patients with cancer to study the level of cells which decrease the immune response (suppressor cells) before and after chemotherapy. Patients 18 years of age and older with cancer may participate. This study does not involve treatment. Participants will have about 50 ml (3 tablespoonfuls) of blood drawn. Depending on their condition, patients may be invited to enroll in a clinical research study involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery. Additional 40-ml blood samples may be drawn during the course of treatment. Read Less

Background: - Researchers are studying types of thyroid cancer that seem to cluster in families. Non-medullary thyroid cancer accounts for the vast majority of all types of thyroid cancer, but little is known about possible genes that may cause the cancer. More research is needed to develop the best ways to screen for familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) so that it can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Objectives: * To evaluate the natural history of FNMTC. * To determine the best screening strategy for FNMTC. * To identify genes that may indicate susceptibility to FNMTC. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 7 years of age who have two first-degree relatives (e.g., parents, children, siblings) who have or have had non-medullary thyroid cancer or a documented diagnosis of non-medullary thyroid cancer and one living relative with documented non-medullary thyroid cancer. Design: * Participants will be evaluated by family history pedigree, physical examination, imaging (including possible neck ultrasound and radioactive iodine scans), and laboratory testing. * Participants who agree to have blood or other biological samples collected will be asked to enroll in an additional study to provide the appropriate samples and tissues. * After the initial study evaluation, participants who are not found to have a malignant thyroid tumor will be re-screened every year with non-invasive imaging studies. Participants who are found to have a malignant thyroid tumor will be informed of possible treatment options.... Read Less

Background: - Laboratory investigators who are studying common childhood cancers are interested in developing a tissue repository to collect and store blood, serum, tissue, urine, or tumors of children who have cancer or adults who have common childhood cancers. To develop this repository, additional samples will be collected from children and adults who have been diagnosed with common childhood cancers such as leukemia and tumors of the central nervous system. Objectives: - To collect and store blood, serum, tissue, urine, or tumor samples of children who have cancer or adults who have common childhood cancers. Eligibility: * Individuals who have been diagnosed with a common childhood cancer (e.g., leukemia) regardless of patient age. * Children, adolescents, and adults who have been diagnosed with a type of cancer more commonly found in adults. Design: * Extra blood, serum (the liquid part of blood), tissue, urine, or tumor samples will be collected from participants at a time when sampling is required for medical care or as part of a research study. * No additional procedures will be performed for the sole purpose of obtaining additional tumor tissue, aside from what is required for clinical care. Read Less

Selected patients suspected of having or with prior biopsy proof of malignant disease will be seen in the Urologic Oncology Branch, NCI. Blood samples may be collected at the time of the initial visit and at periodic intervals during the course of the disease. These samples will be stored in the tissue bank of the Urologic Oncology Branch. Aliquots of malignant and normal tissue will be collected at the time of surgery and stored in the tissue bank, Urologic Oncology Branch, NCI. These materials will be used in the research efforts of the Urologic Oncology Branch, NCI. Read Less

We will investigate the clinical manifestations and molecular genetic defects of heritable urologic malignant disorders. Families with urologic malignancy with known or suspected genetic basis will be enrolled. Affected individuals or individuals suspected of having a germline urologic malignant disorder will undergo periodic clinical assessment and genetic analyses for the purpose of: 1) definition and characterization of phenotype, 2) determination of the natural history of the disorder, and 3) genotype/phenotype correlation. Genetic linkage studies may be performed in situations in which the genetic basis of the disorder has not been elucidated. Read Less

Background: * Cancer has an enormous impact on the psychological and social well-being of the family unit. The life-threatening connotations of cancer single out the ill child from his peer/family group as one who is different, and often unable to maintain a normal lifestyle. Physical sequelae of cancer and its treatment accentuate the differences between these children and their normal peers/siblings. * It is important that children with cancer be prepared to function outside of protected situations and begin to develop skills of separation and independence. For healthy children, some of these latter skills are acquired by a camping experience. Such an experience for the patient with cancer is frequently precluded by their dependence on medical facilities and the physical limitations of their activities. * The goal of this study will be to assess the short and long term benefits of the "normalized" camping experience, provided in conjunction with Special Love, Inc., on the patients and staff. In particular, we will seek to determine whether such a comprehensive experience is capable of influencing the attitudes and life experiences of patients and staff in a positive manner. Objectives: -To evaluate the impact of an enriched normalized camping experience on the quality of life of the pediatric cancer patient. In particular, attempts will be made to measure the manner in which this experience influences the child's sense of well-being and self-esteem as well as his or her relationship with parents, family, and peers. Eligibility: * Children 7-17 years of age who are currently being treated for cancer or are up to 3 years post therapy OR Young adults with cancer (YACers) 18-25 years of age who are acting as counselors at Camp Fantastic * All children/young adults will be selected for camp after careful screening by a multidisciplinary committee consisting of medical and program directors. * At the discretion of the multidisciplinary committee consisting of medical and program directors, special exceptions may be made for children with extenuating circumstances. Design: * Assessment of benefit may include interviews with children and families before, during and following camp. Observational data on the child's performance at camp will be noted. * Medical and nursing personnel will consist of staff from the Pediatric Branch at the NCI, other units within the NIH, and participating institutions. * Special Love members, the Program Director at the 4-H Center camp (site of the camp) and Pediatric Branch staff at the NCI will coordinate the camp program, taking into account the medical needs of each camper. * Every attempt will be made to provide a full agenda of age appropriate activities for the patients. * The length of the camping experience for children with cancer will be for 7 days beginning on a Sunday and extending through the following Saturday morning. Patients will be transported to the camp from the NIH Clinical Center and the Virginia hospitals by bus. Read Less

Background: Blood cancers (such as leukemias) can be hard to treat, especially if they have mutations in the TP53 or RAS genes. These mutations can cause the cancer cells to create substances called neoepitopes. Researchers want to test a method of treating blood cancers by altering a person s T cells (a type of immune cell) to target neoepitopes. Objective: To test the use of neoepitope-specific T cells in people with blood cancers Eligibility: People aged 18 to 75 years with any of 9 blood cancers. Design: Participants will have a bone marrow biopsy: A sample of soft tissue will be removed from inside a pelvic bone. This is needed to confirm their diagnosis and the TP53 and RAS mutations in their cancer cells. They will also have a skin biopsy to look for these mutations in other tissue. Participants will undergo apheresis: Blood will be taken from their body through a vein. The blood will pass through a machine that separates out the T cells. The remaining blood will be returned to the body through a different vein. The T cells will be grown to become neoepitope-specific T cells. Participants receive drugs for 3 days to prepare their body for the treatment. The modified T cells will be given through a tube inserted into a vein. Participants will need to remain in the clinic at least 7 days after treatment. Participants will have 8 follow-up visits in the first year after treatment. They will have 6 more visits over the next 4 years. Long-term follow-up will go on for 10 more years. Read Less