DNA Repair, p53 and Apoptosis Phenotypes in Lung Cancer

Background:

The Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis is conducting an observational non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) case-control study in Baltimore, MD. This molecular epidemiology study was developed to test the reliability and validity of the mutagen sensitivity assay, where a case-control study is needed to assess the possibility of case bias. Importantly, this protocol establishes a resource that allows for the study of additional biomarkers and gene-environment interactions. Upon recruitment, cases and controls receive a structured, in person interview assessing prior medical and cancer history, use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes, alcohol use, current medications, occupational history, family medical history, menstrual history and estrogen use, recent nutritional supplements and caffeine intake, and socioeconomic status. Specimen collection consists of a one-time blood sample and/or mouthwash to collect cheek cells (oral cells) and a one-time urine sample. In addition, cancer and surrounding non-cancer tissue that was surgically removed and not needed for diagnosis may be obtained for cases, as well as current medical information from medical records. Primary cell cultures may be established from available fresh tumor tissue. The phenotypic markers to be studied will assess proficiency of DNA repair in lymphocyte cultures exposed in vitro to radiation, bleomycin, benzo(a)pyrene-diol-epoxide by measuring induction of chromosomal aberrations, p53 and apoptosis. DNA from buffy coats or cheek cells will be used for analysis of germline variation in the form of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in DNA repair, innate immunity, cell cycle control, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cytokines, nicotine addiction, inflammation, hormone metabolism and microRNA. Additionally, IRB approval was received in 2010 to include this study in a multi-institution genome-wide association study (GWAS) of lung cancer in African Americans. Tumors from cases will be evaluated for estrogen and progesterone receptors, somatic mutations, and gene expression. Urine, plasma, serum and tissue sample metabolomics will be analyzed by untargeted approach.

Objectives:

1. To determine if mutagen sensitivity, p53 induction, and apoptosis in cultured lymphocytes are predictive of lung cancer risk.
2. To determine the relationship between sex-steroid metabolism, estrogen exposure, and lung cancer risk.
3. To investigate and develop phenotypic or predictive markers of lung cancer risk and survival, based on mutagen sensitivity, polymorphic markers, gene expression, and metabolomics.
4. To investigate racial disparities associated with lung cancer risk and survival.
5. To examine the relationship between circulating cytokines with risk and survival of lung cancer and to establish the most robust method of cytokine detection.
6. To generate a more accurate measure of ancestry using ancestry informative marker analysis and to integrate this variable into our studies of health disparities
7. To conduct studies of metabolomics on serum, plasma and urine for the purposes of discovering novel markers of risk, diagnosis and prognosis. We will use ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLS-MS) to search for small molecular weight endogenous metabolites that can classify cancer and predict outcome. This is a novel approach for biomarker discovery that also leverages the non-invasive process of biospecimen collection. Tumor and corresponding non tumor tissues from corresponding patients will also be tested using the same methods to extend the discovery of novel tumor metabolites. Further, metabolites of vitamin D will be examined on serum samples from lung cancer cases and controls to assess the relationship between circulating levels of Vitamin D metabolites with cancer risk and survival. This analysis will be coupled with testing of Vitamin D pathway SNPs in corresponding patients to determine if certain SNPs are also associated with levels of vitamin D.
8. To evaluate biomarkers of cancer diagnosis and prognosis in circulating tumor DNA
9. To evaluate the microbiome (microbes) present in lung tissue using in situ hybridization of fixed tissues to be completed at Mayo Clinic by collaborators. The collaborators will receive no information on the samples other than their tissue of origin.
10. To collect data and biospecimens on patients that received low dose CT screening as part of their lung cancer diagnosis. This is for the purposes of investigating non-invasive biomarkers of lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Low-dose CT screening is now offered at UMMS and the VA for the purposes of early lung cancer detection. These screening guidelines are per CMS guidelines, i.e., age 55-77, >=30 pack-years of smoking and have quit smoking for 15 years or less. Such high-risk patients will be offered annual screening.
11. To culture lung cancer specific microbiome-bacteria from human lung cancers. This work will, in part, be conducted with our collaborator Dr Paul Owrin, who is an expert in the culture of microbial species from human tissues. These samples, approximately 10 per year, will be de-identified of all patient information.
12. To perform RNA analysis of tumor and normal tissues in collaboration with Dr Isidore Rigoustos with the aim of discovering novel signaling pathways in lung cancer.
13. To contribute our data to larger consortia so that we can conduct studies with a higher power and to make valuable, reproducible observations regarding the epidemiology of lung cancer. We will establish this data transfer via a DTA.
14. To conduct next generation DNA sequencing of tumors (and corresponding normal) of patients enrolled in this protocol.
15. To collaborate with intramural colleagues, specifically Dr Jung Byun at NIMHD on the genomic analysis (next generation DNA sequencing) of samples within this contract. We anticipate sending up to 400 samples. No personal identifiable information will be sent or included with these samples.
16. To collaborate with extramural colleagues, specifically Dr John Simmons at Personal Genome Diagnostics, and Dr Peter Campbell at the Welcome Sanger Institute, England, on the genomic analysis (next generation DNA sequencing) of samples within this contract. We anticipate sending up to 400 samples. No personal identifiable information will be sent or included with these samples.
17. To complete MTAs with colleagues outlined in point 16 above.
18. To capture exposures related to reproductive history in both men and women, among both cases and controls and related these exposures to cancer risk and health disparity.
19. To use data collected through the questionnaire to geocode participants.

Eligibility:

• Histologically confirmed NSCLC diagnosed within the past 2 years (case).
• Frequency matched to cases according to age (5-year intervals), gender, and race (population-based control).
• Born in the United States, resident of the state of Maryland
• Subject Characteristics:
• Speaks English well enough to be interviewed
• Physically and mentally capable of performing the interview (i.e., must be able to hear the interviewer, mentally comprehend the interviewers questions, and verbally respond)
• Has never been interviewed as a control for this study
• Does not currently reside in an institution such as a prison, nursing home, or shelter
• No history of cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix (population-based control)
• Has a residential working phone within the home (population-based control)

Design:

• Case/Control; Observational
• Planned statistical analysis: Risk associations between the genotypes and cancer/survival will be assessed using unconditional logistic regression model, with covariate adjustment, as appropriate.
• Number of subjects to be enrolled: Target accrual is 6000 subjects, consisting of 450 cases/each gender in African Americans and 800 cases/each gender in Caucasians. An equal number of controls will be selected for each category of cases based on the combination of gender and race.
• For patients that undergo low dose CT screening at the participating hospitals in this protocol, we will enroll patients that have had a "positive" scan and are attending either UMMS or the VA hospital for further follow up.