Biomarker Analysis for Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (MCC)

Patients are being asked to participate in this study who have colorectal cancer that has come back after initial treatment. The investigators want to improve treatment in patients with this disease. In other types of cancers, it has been possible to improve treatment by studying the gene mutations (called biomarkers) in a patient’s cancer and "matching" these to existing cancer therapies or study drugs which target that specific mutation. Colorectal cancers have not been routinely tested in this way.
In this study, investigators will determine whether mutational testing can be successfully done on colorectal cancers and how often mutations are detected for which there are existing drugs (or drugs in development). The results will be used to determine if treating physicians use this information in planning subsequent treatment.