This study seeks to prospectively determine the relationship between Vitamin D gene expression and median survival as a primary outcome, and the relationships between the Vitamin D receptor (VDR)/CYP24A1 gene expression and cancer stage, smoking status, serum 1,25 (OH)2D3 levels as well as CYP24A1 genotype.
Patients who are suspected to have lung cancer will be recruited to this study prior to their diagnostic biopsy. Those who have consented to the study will give permission for blood and tissue from this biopsy to be analyzed for the study endpoints. Statistical analysis on this data will seek to correlate CYP24A1 expression and medican survival of the participants. Patients' data will be collected for smoking status and cancer stage.
Study enrollment to adequately power the study statistically is 80 patients. Anticipated study duration is from 12 months to 18 months for sample collection and two years for follow-up for patient survival.
