Chemical and Genetic Effects of the Experimental Anti-Cancer Drugs in Cheek Cells in Cancer Patients

Study Summary

This study will examine the effects of certain investigational anti-cancer drugs on the genetic and protein makeup of cells. The findings will be entered into a database that may be used to: 1) determine the optimal dose of drug that will provide the most benefit with the least harmful side effects; and 2) predict which patients will have a greater chance of developing side effects or a greater chance of benefiting from the drug. Patients 18 years of age and older who are receiving the anti-cancer drugs flavopiridol or perifosine in an NIH clinical trial may be eligible for this study. Participants will undergo the following procedures both before starting treatment and during the first treatment cycle to look for genetic or chemical changes produced in response to the study drug: * Blood draws. * Buccal cell brushings: Collection of buccal cells (cells lining the inside of the cheeks) from the inside of the cheeks using a soft bristle brush for a few seconds several times. The patient then rinses the mouth with salt water for 1 minute and then spits into a cup. * Buccal cell biopsies (on both sides of the mouth): For this procedure, a local anesthetic is given to numb the biopsy area. Then, a small piece of tissue from the inner lining of the mouth is removed with a small sharp cookie-cutter instrument. The biopsy findings will be compared with those of the cheek brushings to see if the information is similar. * Tumor biopsies: In patients whose tumor is easily accessible, such as the skin abdominal fluid, tissue biopsies will be requested. Depending on the type and location of the tumor, the biopsy may be done with a forceps, a large needle (needle biopsy), a cookie-cutter instrument (punch biopsy), or a small knife (excisional biopsy). All of these procedures are done with a local anesthetic.

Interventions

• PROCEDURE Oral cytobrushing