Core B - Tissue Core

All projects in this SPORE used human specimens for translational research directed at reducing the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer. In order to provide the necessary specimens, a Pancreas Tumor SPORE Tissue Bank was developed in cooperation with and under the auspices of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Tissue Procurement Shared Resource.

There are two components to this resource.

• The first component is a conventional tissue bank, which captures and stores all excess surgical material from patients seen at UNMC and affiliated institutions, related to pancreatic and GI malignancies. This tissue bank also captures and stores samples related to clinical trials that are ongoing as part of SPORE activities.
• The second component is an organ harvest/rapid autopsy program in which patients who die with pancreatic cancer donate their organs for research purposes. This program captures and processes entire internal organs from these patients, including all available samples of primary tumor and metastases.

The core includes a mechanism for database management and specimen distribution, and was intended to benefit the specific research activities of the SPORE, as well as the research activities of other scientists within and outside of UNMC who focus on translational research issues. Additionally, tissues are available for distribution through NCI supported tissue networks in national prioritization.