OBJECTIVES:
* To evaluate the ability of proteomic patterns in serum and exhaled breath condensate samples to detect and discriminate lung cancer from healthy and from high-risk individuals.
* To correlate proteomic patterns with tumor behavior.
OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study.
Blood and exhaled breath condensate samples are collected, whenever possible, at a time medically indicated for other purposes (e.g., work-up, pre-op, surgical procedures). The samples are used to produce genetic material (i.e., DNA, RNA) and molecular material (i.e., proteins) that will be stored for future studies, including studies that may not be related to lung cancer. Future genetic studies related to lung cancer may include studies of protein expression patterns via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry that may serve as predictive molecular markers of lung cancer.
Participants complete a 15-minute Lung Spore Database questionnaire at the time of study enrollment to provide information on demographics (e.g., date of birth, address, phone number), medical and smoking history, personal and family history of cancer and cancer treatment, and current medications. Medical records are reviewed at the time of study enrollment and then over approximately 5 years to obtain information, including test results, associated with the diagnosis of cancer. Participants may also be contacted by phone at a later time to answer questions about their health status.
