Correlation of Molecular Markers With Response to Therapy and Breast Cancer Behavior
RATIONALE: Studying samples of tumor tissue and blood from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about changes that occur in DNA and identify biomarkers related to cancer. It may also help doctors predict how patients will respond to treatment. PURPOSE: This research study is looking at tissue and blood samples from women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
• High suspicion of or known breast cancer (early or metastatic)
• Lesion accessible for safe biopsy (as deemed by the treating physician).
• Age ≥ 18 years.
• ECOG performance status 0 - 2.
• Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent document.
• If receiving therapeutic anticoagulation; it should be discontinued temporarily prior to biopsy for a length of time to be determined by the study doctor.
• Adequate marrow function, defined as absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 x 109/L and platelets ≥ 100 x 109/L required only for biopsies of vital organs (lung, liver, etc.)