Collection of Blood From Patients With Prostate Cancer
Background: * It is not fully understood why prostate cancer in some men becomes androgen-independent (no longer responds to anti-androgen medication), but genetics likely plays an important role. * Genes contain the hereditary information that is passed down from parents to children. Although everyone has the same set of genes, individuals can have different forms of the same gene. * Differences in genes may explain, at least in part, why some people develop a more aggressive form of prostate cancer than others.
Objectives: -To obtain blood samples from patients with prostate cancer to try to identify gene differences associated with progression to the androgen independent state.
Eligibility: -All participants participating in NCI prostate cancer protocols.
Design: * Participants with prostate cancer are evaluated in the NCI s Medical Oncology Clinic. * Blood samples are collected at the initial visit or at follow-up visits. * DNA (genetic material) and white blood cells are extracted from these samples to be used for genotyping and establishment of cell lines. * Gene variations are correlated with prostate cancer prognosis and prognostic indicators.
• Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible.
• Individuals with a diagnosis of prostate cancer are eligible.