Research

Division of Radiation Oncology Biomarker Initiative (Research Protocol: PA18-0644)

This is a discovery and exploratory protocol that enables us to obtain serial biospecimen from patients, across tumor type, who will be evaluated for radiation treatment at MD Anderson. The biospecimen includes blood, tissue, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), saliva, buccal swab, skin swab; stool, abdominal or pleural fluid.
 

How we are doing (Patient accrual by RO section or by study)

As of August 31st, 2023, 354 patients have been enrolled on the Biomarker Initiative IRB-approved Laboratory Study (PA18-0644). Patient breakdown is as follows:

• 22% from the Section of Melanoma/Sarcoma Radiation Oncology
• 14% from the Section of Hematologic Radiation Oncology
• 22% from the Section of Central Nervous System (CNS) Radiation Oncology
• 7% from the Department of Gastrointestinal (GI) Radiation Oncology
• 6% from the Department of Thoracic Radiation Oncology
• 5% from the Section of Head and Neck (H&N) Radiation Oncology
• 24% from the Department of Breast Radiation Oncology

From our inception in 2019 through August 31, 2023, we have supported 30 clinical trials and cohorts of interest with correlative research biospecimen collections in the Division of Radiation Oncology. The cumulative accrual graphic above shows the breakdown of accrual by study, including 24 of the trials for which patients co-consented to PA18-0644.