Trial Information

An Analysis of the Response of Human Tumor Microvascular Endothelium to Ionizing Radiation

The goal of this study is to determine if concepts established in mouse models of the tumor
microvascular response to ionizing radiation (IR) therapy are applicable to human tumors in
order to begin to establish that the engagement of the endothelial response is a valid
target for IR in human tumors. A portion of tumor will be isolated from individuals who have
signed informed consent for this protocol and are undergoing surgery on the Neurosurgery,
Colorectal, and Gynecology, Head and Neck, Urology, and Hepatobiliary Services at Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Tumor tissue will be obtained from the surgical sample in
pathology after adequate specimens have been obtained for diagnostic purposes. Tumor tissue
will be irradiated ex vivo and the microvascular endothelial response will be determined.
From specimens of adequate size, a pure tumor endothelial cell population will be isolated
and the response to IR will be determined.

Primary Outcomes:

- To determine if human tumor microvascular endothelium displays similar dose parameters
as mouse tumor endothelium.

Secondary Outcomes:

- To determine if tumor endothelium isolated to near homogeneity demonstrates dose
parameters similar to those used in single dose radiotherapy of brain tumors.

- To determine if the microvascular endothelium of tumors of different types behaves in a
similar fashion in its response to IR.