Palo Alto Scientific

The purpose of this study is to identify tumor cells in the bloodstream (Circulating Tumor Cells, CTC's) from patient's with locally advanced or metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer. Analyzing the tumor is helpful in guiding therapy; however, research has suggested that the number of tumor cells found in the bloodstream (CTC's) signifies more aggressive behavior and increased difficulty in eliminating the cancer. This research will help to develop better ways to treat breast cancer which could be tailored to a patient and may be adjusted to a patient's individual needs.

The Genitourinary Oncology/Urology Services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) participates in research for the control, treatment, and cure of cancer. The purpose of this study is to collect normal and cancerous tissues, in addition to blood, and other body fluid samples from men with prostate cancer or prostatic disease. These samples may be stored for future use or used immediately by researchers who study prostate cancer and try to find better ways to diagnose, prevent, and treat it. We will look for genetic changes and protein markers on these cells. We hope to learn more about what makes some people get prostate cancer, why some cancers are more aggressive than others, and why some cancers respond to or resist different treatments. We may also try to grow the tumor cells in the lab. We may find a new treatment for prostate cancer based on this research.