Lung Tumor Testing and Clinical Trials

As one of the world's leading lung cancer centers, the University of Colorado Cancer Center offers unparalleled access to cutting edge lung cancer treatments and advanced molecular tumor testing.

The CU Cancer Center offers some of the most sophisticated molecular tests and one of the broadest ranges of clinical trials of new treatments for lung cancer in the world.
Advanced molecular testing screens tumors for known gene problems that can be targeted with specific drugs.
Current trials for experimental targeted lung cancer therapy include one for ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer.

Schedule an appointment

New patients, call Jaylee Santee, and return patients, call Bethie Jean-Philippe at (720) 848-0300 or send an email message to Jaylee or to Bethie from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time, Monday through Friday.

Please be ready to provide the following:

Patient Information

patient full name
date of birth
Social Security Number
mailing address
contact number
insurance information

Pathology Slides AND Tumor Block

We use the slides and block to test your tumor for known gene problems and determine if you are eligible for a clinical trial.

Clinical notes, faxed to (720) 848-0457 or (720) 848-0363 before the appointment

information about diagnosis, treatments and test results
notes that can't be faxed should be mailed to the clinic or brought in to the appointment.

Radiology Scans (CT, MRI, PET scans) on DVD or CDROM

The CU Cancer Center is the lead center for the nationwide Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium Protocol which offers free molecular tumor testing for certain subtypes of lung cancer as part of your physician visit to help match each new lung cancer patient to a specific targeted treatment.

Tumor testing and cancer consultation

The Lung Cancer Clinic is located in the Anschutz Cancer Pavilion on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo. View the campus map

Our expert lung cancer physicians will guide you through your diagnosis and treatment options, including advanced tumor testing.

Get a second opinion. If you have already been diagnosed and treated for lung cancer, we can offer you a second opinion, including options for advanced care available nowhere else in the Rocky Mountain region.

Tumor testing without cancer consultation

The CU Cancer Center can perform advanced molecular tumor testing to determine if it is positive for a variety of gene problems, including ALK. This is done through the Colorado Molecular Correlates (CMOCO) Lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

• Please talk to your doctor about having your tumor tested at the CU Cancer Center before sending your information to us.

• Tumor testing DOES NOT include a detailed explanation of results. Interpretation requires a visit with the CU Cancer Center lung cancer physicians.

• Tumor testing may be covered by health insurance. Please contact your health insurer for more information.

• Costs for tumor testing not covered by insurance can be covered by the individual.

How to submit tumor specimens for testing without a physician consult

Obtain a CMOCO Lab Request Form from Nancy Hart at (303) 724-4754, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also send her an email message.

Send the following information to the CMOCO lab:

• Completed CMOCO Lab Request Form

• Clinician/oncologist contact information: name, phone number, fax number, NPI number

• Patient billing information: demographic information and insurance information if your insurance will be billed. Demographic information only if you are self-pay.

• Tumor specimen: clearly identified tumor specimen fixed in buffered formalin and assoicated pathology report, OR

• 10 unstained slides with associated pathology report

Note: Decalcified specimens (bone biopsies) are not acceptable for FISH testing

Mailing address for specimens:

CMOCO Lab
University of Colorado School of Medicine
12801 E. 17th Ave., Campus Box 8104
R1-South, L18-5101
Aurora, CO 80045