OBJECTIVES:
* Assess the frequency and degree of hypoxia as measured by etanidazole derivative EF5 binding in patients with stage I, II, or III non-small cell lung cancer.
* Correlate hypoxia as measured by EF5 binding with potential serum/plasma markers and tissue markers of hypoxia in these patients.
* Correlate hypoxia as measured by EF5 binding with tumor angiogenesis and apoptosis in these patients.
* Correlate tumor perfusion with hypoxia in these patients.
* Correlate tumor perfusion with microvessel density in tumor samples in these patients.
* Determine the longevity of EF5 adducts in human lung tumors.
OUTLINE: Patients are stratified according to disease stage (stage I or II vs stage III vs no stage I-III determined after pathologic staging).
Within 24-48 hours prior to the planned surgical procedure, patients receive etanidazole derivative EF5 IV over 1-2.5 hours. Tumor hypoxia is then measured using an intraoperative Eppendorf needle electrode during surgical biopsy or resection. Tumor specimens are tested for EF5 binding using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.
Patients are followed at 4-6 weeks.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 40-60 patients (20 with stage I/II disease, 20 with stage III disease, and 20 without stage I-III disease) will be accrued for this study.
