Study of Decision Making in Patients Participating in Phase I Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES: * Determine the range of personality traits of patients enrolled in a phase I clinical trial. * Determine these patients' understanding of their medical situation and prognosis. * Determine these patients' understanding of risks and benefits of phase I clinical trials. * Determine these patients' reasons for participating in a phase I clinical trial. * Determine the risk/benefit trade-offs of these patients. * Determine the existential outlook of these patients. * Determine the information gathering nature of these patients. OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Before beginning phase I clinical trial treatment, patients complete a survey over 30-45 minutes administered by an interviewer. Patients then self-administer the Temperament and Character Inventory assessment over 30 minutes. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 250 patients will be accrued for this study within 6 months.