Growth Factor Levels in the Blood of Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Epithelial Cancer

OBJECTIVES: * To determine whether there is a dose-dependent increase in TGF-beta following radiotherapy in patients with epithelial cancers. OUTLINE: Patients undergo blood sample collection prior to treatment, 24-72 hours after the first fraction of radiotherapy, and at the end of radiotherapy. Patients will also be asked for a weekly blood sample, but this is optional. Samples are analyzed to compare pre- and post-treatment TGF-beta levels.