Biopsy of Human Tumors for Cancer Stem Cell Characterization: a Feasibility Study

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with malignant tumors seen at the Stanford University
Cancer Center. Eligible patients will have a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
and will have been seen in the Stanford Head and Neck Oncology Program. A decision to
undergo surgery at Stanford will have been made, prior to recruiting patients for the
study, and prior to obtaining the samples during surgery. (Histological confirmation of
the diagnosis need not be made prior to obtaining consent.) 2. A definitive resection of
a malignant tumor is planned. 3. Surgeon judgment that the definitive procedure will not
be compromised by including

- FNA

- Core needle biopsy

- Cup forceps or punch biopsy of<4mm. 4. Informed consent documented prior to
procedure