Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Resource?
The Resource provides access to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary prostate cancer tissue with associated clinical and follow-up data for research studies, particularly studies focused on translating basic research findings into clinical application. Fresh-frozen tissue is also available with limited clinical follow up information since these are more recent cases. The Resource database contains pathologic and clinical information linked to a large collection of prostate tissue specimens that is available for research. Researchers can determine whether the Resource has the tissues and patient data they need for their individual research studies through an inquiry to ask@cpctr.info.
Participants include:
- George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
- New York University, New York, NY
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
The central database is maintained by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Biomedical Informatics, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
How does the Resource work?
Tissue sections will be prepared to meet the requirements of approved research protocols. The Resource will also provide clinical, pathological and outcome data, including demographic data, diagnosis, detailed pathology review, extent of disease, treatment, follow-up, recurrence, survival, and vital status. Tissue microarray sections are provided to successful applicants. The Resource cannot provide information that would identify any patient or family member. There is a charge for the preparation of sections and for shipping costs. Studies on Resource material may be funded by Federal or non-Federal sources. The Resource does not provide funding for research studies using Resource materials.
Who can obtain specimens?
The Resource collection is particularly well-suited for evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic markers since it includes primary prostate cancer tissue with associated clinical and outcome data. This valuable finite collection is intended to support studies that require archival tissue and clinical and outcome data. The Resource can provide documentation of the availability of required specimens in support of applications for research funding. The Resource is available both to academic researchers (at or above assistant professor or equivalent; applications directly by post docs or students are not accepted) and to commercial organizations which need access to specimens for evaluation of diagnostic, prognostic or other assays related to prostate cancer.
How do I apply for tissue and data?
Investigators should first send a short letter of intent stating the aims/hypothesis of the proposed research. This should include a brief description of the technical approach and assurance that the technique(s) can be applied to paraffin-embedded specimens or fresh-frozen tissues. The approximate number and types of cases required for the study should be indicated, along with justification for sample size. The letter can also be submitted electronically. The request will be reviewed on receipt, and if the CPCTR determines that the Resource can meet your needs, you will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal. There are no specific receipt dates, and every attempt will be made to evaluate requests expeditiously.
How do I apply for tissue microarrays?
Investigators should first send a short letter of intent stating the aims/hypothesis of the proposed research. This should include a brief description of the technical approach and assurance that the technique(s) can be applied to tissue microarray sections. The approximate number and types of TMA sets required for the study should be indicated, along with statistical justification that significant results can be obtained based upon the number of cases on the TMA sets. The letter can also be submitted electronically. The request will be reviewed on receipt, and if the CPCTR determines that the Resource can meet your needs, then arrangements for slide shipment will be made. There are no specific receipt dates for letters, and every attempt will be made to evaluate requests expeditiously.
Are there charges for Resource services?
Once your application has been approved by the CPCTR, your requested tissue will be prepared and shipped. Specimens will not be shipped until processing fees and shipping charges are paid. Current charges for these services are:
Cost for Tissue Microarray (TMA) Slides
Academic pricing:
- $1800 for a set of four slides, with annotation
- $300 for each additional TMA slide, with annotation
- 3 free optimization TMA slides for testing probe (without annotation)
- $75 per additional optimization TMA slide
Industry pricing:
- $5,400 for a set of four slides, with annotation (including 3 free optimization TMA slides for testing probe)
- $900 for each additional TMA slide, with annotation
- $75 per additional optimization TMA slide
Who is on the Coordinating Committee?
Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, MD, PhD
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 413-5639
Email: aballa@uic.edu
Michael J. Becich, MD, PhD
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: (412) 623-3940
Email: becich@pitt.edu
Jonathan Melamed, MD
New York University, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 263-8927
Email: jonathan.melamed@med.nyu.edu
Jan Orenstein, MD, PhD
George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Phone: (202) 994-2943
Email: jorenstein@mfa.gwu.edu
Rajiv Dhir, MD
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: (412) 647-0857
Email: dhirr@upmc.edu
Where can I get additional information?
Please contact:
Waqas Amin, MD
Research Associate
Department of Biomedical Informatics
UPMC Cancer Pavilion
Center for Pathology and Oncology Informatics
5150 Center Ave. Suite 301
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: (412) 623-7836
aminw@upmc.edu
Or contact the Coordinating Committee Members above.