Clinical Research Directory

Biomarkers in Patients With Respiratory Tract Dysplasia or Lung Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, or Aerodigestive Tract Cancer and in Normal Volunteers

RATIONALE: Studying samples of sputum and tissue in the laboratory from patients with dysplasia or cancer may help doctors identify and learn more about biomarkers related to cancer. It may also help the study of cancer in the future. PURPOSE: This laboratory study is looking at biomarkers in patients with respiratory tract dysplasia or lung cancer, head and neck cancer, or aerodigestive tract cancer.

Risk Factors for Barrett's Esophagus in Patients With BE, Gastroesophageal Reflux, or Gastrointestinal Bleeding

RATIONALE: A study that evaluates DNA changes and other disease-related health information in patients with Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux, or gastrointestinal bleeding may help doctors learn more about the risk factors for Barrett's esophagus. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is looking at DNA changes and other disease-related health information as risk factors for Barrett's esophagus in patients with Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Radiation Therapy With Cisplatin or Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer

RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. It is not yet known whether radiation therapy is more effective with cisplatin or cetuximab in treating oropharyngeal cancer. PURPOSE: This phase III trial is studying radiation therapy with cisplatin or cetuximab to see how well it works in treating patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

Noninvasive Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Using Odor-Targeted Capture, Point-of-Care Testing, and Intelligent Analysis

The goal of this observational study is to see whether a new, noninvasive test that analyzes smells (odor) from breath and intestinal gas can help detect colorectal cancer and precancerous growths at an early stage. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can the new odor-based test correctly identify people who have colorectal cancer or precancerous lesions? How accurate is the new test compared to the current standard method (colonoscopy with biopsy)? Researchers will compare the results of the new test with standard diagnostic results. Participants will be asked to: Provide samples of breath, urine, stool, and intestinal gas (collected using a special device or a collection bag) Allow researchers to review their medical records and colonoscopy results Answer questions about their health history and lifestyle This study involves no treatments or procedures beyond normal medical care. It only collects samples and data for research purposes.

Gastrointestinal Biomarkers in Tissue and Biological Fluid Samples From Colorectal Cancer Patients

RATIONALE: Studying samples of tissue, blood, urine, stool, and other biological fluids from patients with cancer and from healthy volunteers undergoing colonoscopy or endoscopy may help doctors identify and learn more about biomarkers related to cancer. PURPOSE: This research study is looking at gastrointestinal biomarkers in tissue and biological fluid samples from patients and participants undergoing colonoscopy, endoscopy, or surgery.