Identification of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Lung Cancer Patients

Inclusion Criteria:Inclusion Criteria:Inclusion Criteria (Cases):

   1. Advanced stage (IIIB with malignant effusion or IV) histologically or cytologically
   confirmed NSCLC

   2. Patients must be newly diagnosed (untreated) or have evidence of disease progression
   at the time of sample collection

   3. ability to sign informed consent

   4. at least 18 years of age

Inclusion Criteria (Controls):

   1. no known prior or active malignancy

   2. ability to sign informed consent

   3. at least 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria:1. history of any other cancer other than
   non-melanoma skin cancer within the last 5 years Exclusion Criteria:1. history of any
   other cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer within the last 5 years

2. pregnant women