Overview
The purpose of this study is to develop a liquid biopsy approach for detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) that could be used in place of the more invasive and potentially risky methods of tissue biopsy. The aims of the project are: (a) determine whether the Chaperonin-Containing TCP-1 (CCT) chaperonin can used to identify rare cancer cells in blood, and (b) establish whether the cancer cells detected using the CCT chaperonin for identification have invasive or metastatic potential.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male or female
- Age greater than or equal to 18 and less than or equal to 80 years.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Adults unable to give informed consent
- Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers; under the age of 18)
- Individuals who weigh less than 110 lbs (as standard clinically advised to not give blood)
- Pregnant women (due to hormonal changes in blood)
- Prisoners
- Persons reporting a current microbial (bacterial, viral, or fungal) infections
- Persons reporting that they are current taking antibiotic medications
- Persons with body temperatures above 99oF (indicating a fever)