Abstract 973: The NCI Biospecimen Research Network

The National Cancer Institute9s (NCI) Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research (OBBR) initiated the Biospecimen Research Network (BRN) in early 2006 to coordinate and support systematic investigation into how collection, processing, and storage of human biospecimens affect subsequent analysis. To support this goal, the BRN sponsors, conducts and collaborates on studies to evaluate the effects of biospecimen pre-analytical variables on the outcomes of molecular assays for cancer diagnosis and research. BRN supported findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based best practices for the collection, processing, storage and transport of biospecimens; building on the “NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources.” Currently the BRN sponsors a variety of initiatives aimed to develop and support the research efforts of the biospecimen science community. Through its newly launched extramural research program the BRN supports a portfolio of projects addressing biospecimen pre-analytical variables and biospecimen integrity. Furthermore, the BRN aims to significantly improve biospecimen-based diagnostic and research capabilities by communicating the results of such research to the scientific and clinical communities. The Biospecimen Research Database and the annual BRN symposium, Advancing Cancer Research Through Biospecimen Science are forums established for effective exchange of biospecimen research results. The BRN also supports new research and innovation through its collaborations with other NCI programs such as NCI Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT), the NCI Small Business Innovation Research Development Center (SBIR), the Clinical Proteomics Technologies for Cancer (CPTC) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Through these partnerships, the BRN serves as a resource for program awardees and presents new opportunities for research. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 973.