IRB Number:

06-004953

Trial Status:

Open for Enrollment

Phase: I

Why is this study being done?

Research has consistently shown that patients with at least one blood relative with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have over two times greater risk of getting CLL compared to the general population. These findings strongly suggest that genetics play a role in the development of CLL. As such, the purpose of this study is to identify the genes that increase the risk of developing CLL. To do this, we need families that have multiple individuals diagnosed with CLL, i.e., CLL families. CLL families are a very valuable resource that will enable us to better understand the genetic basis of this cancer. Because CLL families are rare, we have formed a U.S. collaboration to identify these families, known as the Genetic Epidemiology of CLL (GEC) Consortium. This consortium is funded by the National Cancer Institute and includes investigators from Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, National Cancer Institute, UCSD, and University of Minnesota. The completion of this study will advance our understanding of how CLL develops and should ultimately help identify new approaches for the prevention of CLL.

Who is Eligible to Participate in the Study?

Individuals from families that have two or more living family members with CLL are eligible.

What is Involved With this Study?

To participate, you do not need to travel to Mayo Clinic. Participation includes:

1. Completing a questionnaire detailing your family history of cancer. We will mail this questionnaire to you.


2. Completing a brief questionnaire about your lifestyle factors, personal medical history, and demographic information. We will also mail this questionnaire to you.


3. Donating a small amount of blood (2 tablespoons). For your convenience, we can send you a blood kit that you may take to your local clinic for the blood draw. You also may have this done during your visit to Mayo Clinic. We will pay for any charges associated with the blood draw.


4. Donating a sample of cheek cells. A kit will be mailed to you containing all necessary items to collect the sample.


5. Providing permission to access, for research purposes only, any medical records related to care for blood or lymph node cancer or related illnesses. In order to use this information, we need your written informed consent.

Who can I Contact for Additional Information on this Trial?

Complete Request Form for Cancer Clinical Trial Information at Mayo Clinic or
Mayo Clinic at (800) 610-7093


Additional collaborators:

• M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (713) 745-1079


• National Cancer Institute (NCI) at (800) 518-8474


• University of Minnesota (866) 256-4125


• University of California at San Diego (UCSD) at (877) 326-4255


• Duke University (919) 286-0411 Ext. 5248


• University of Utah (801) 587-9305

What is/are the Locations of this Clinical Trial?

• Rochester, MN
• Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ

Last updated: 03/27/2008