Cancer Biospecimen Acquisition and Biorepository

Albert Einstein College Of Medicine, Bronx NY

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The goal of the AECC Cancer Biospecimen Acquisition and Biorepository Resource (CBABR) is to provide a centralized unit that meets the best practices of the NCI for high quality biospecimens for cancer research. The CBABR oversees the procurement of malignant, benign, diseased and uninvolved (normal) tissues from both solid and hematological tumors for use by AECC and other investigators. The CBABR has been organized through the consolidation of multiple federated cancer associated Institutional biobanks into a cohesive cancer oriented tissue acquisition and storage biobank that is the nucleus for prospective sample collection. The CBABR is a joint effort of AECC, the Einstein CTSA and other NIH funded centers at Einstein and is supported by several Institutional initiatives including a universal opt-in consent process in use by Einstein's clinical partner, Montefiore Medical Center, dedicated staffing for tissue acquisition in cooperation with Montefiore Surgical Pathology, Clinical Research Informatics support linking samples to medical and research records, and dedicated secure storage space utilizing the most advanced energy efficient freezer technology. A web-based application has been developed that allows investigators to determine if tissue exists in the CBABR with necessary phenotypic characteristics for their studies. The CBABR focus has been on head and neck cancer, breast, colon, lung, cervical and ovarian, neuroendocrine tumors, and hematological tumors. It currently houses 67,704 samples, including 5,704 samples collected since the institution of the new CBABR in late 2011, all of which are available for use by investigators. The CBABR process encompasses patient informed consent at initial cancer evaluation, planned universal