Gut Microbiota in People With Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Background:
There are about 100 trillion microbial cells in a person s gut. This is called the human gut microbiota. When this is disrupted, it can lead to many diseases. Studies show that the gut microbiota in people with cancer is different than that found in healthy people. Researchers want to study links between the gut microbiota and the immune system in people with a liver disease called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Objective:
To study links between gut microbiota and the immune system in people with HCC.
Eligibility:
People at least 18 years old with HCC. They must be scheduled to have tumors removed by surgery.
Design:
* People having surgery for primary liver tumors at the Mount Sinai Medical Center will be screened for this study.
* At the initial visit, blood, rectal swabs, urine, and stool will be collected. Participants will answer questions about their medical condition.
* Before surgery, blood, rectal swabs, urine, and stool will be collected. This will be done at a routine visit.
* When they have surgery, a piece of liver tissue with the tumor will be collected. This will be sent to the National Cancer Institute for tests.
* After surgery, blood, rectal swabs, urine, and stool will be collected 3 times. This will be done at routine visits.