Collection of Tumor Tissue, Blood and Spinal Fluid From Patients With Brain or Spine Tumors

The main objective of the protocol is the establishment of a repository of central nervous system (CNS) tumors or metastases to the CNS and related tissues as an invaluable resource for current or future research studies of the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of human central nervous system tumors. The database will be established through the intra-operative acquisition of brain or spine tumors as well as the collection of blood and spinal fluids from consenting CNS tumor patients.

Inclusion criteria

• For acquisition of intra-operative brain or spine tumor specimens, blood specimens and spinal fluid specimens, all patients who undergo surgery for resection or biopsy qualify for inclusion in this protocol.
• If spinal fluid is not accessed as part of the operative procedure, it will not be collected.
• All patients must be under the care of one or more members of the MSKCC CNS disease management team at the time of tissue acquisition. Patients may have been previously diagnosed and/or treated at another institution.
• Subjects are eligible regardless of sex, age or race.
• Parental or guardian consents will be obtained in the case of minors (less than 18 years of age)

Exclusion criteria

• Patients or their guardians, in case of a minor, may choose to be excluded at any time.
• If a patient, or guardian, decides to withdraw after some or all of the tissues have been collected, such tissues will be destroyed at their request.
• Patients or their guardians will be counseled at the time of obtaining their consent, of the possibility of withdrawing from the protocol.