The NRG Oncology Biospecimen Bank is the central repository of biospecimens collected from patients enrolled in NRG Oncology clinical trials. The collection includes unstained slides paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, frozen and fresh tissue, and fluids, such as plasma or serum, from patients enrolled on NRG Oncology clinical trials and on the legacy group trials of NSABP, RTOG and GOG. Extensive clinical outcome data exist on these patients.
The Biospecimen Bank provides annotated biospecimens collected from patients treated on clinical trials to qualified researchers. De-identified specimens are distributed to investigators who comply with National Cancer Institute’s Group Banking access policies and who have funding to support their project. All requests for specimens must be approved by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) National Clinical Trials Network Core Correlative Sciences Committee (NCTN-CCSC). Since NCTN CCSC approval is required before specimens can be distributed, investigators are encouraged to submit their request to NRG Oncology prior to submission of research grants or requests to a funding agency. This will assure the availability of the tissue required for their project.
Instructions for Application Submission
- Complete the Feasibility Query and submit it to NRG Oncology at BiospecimenAccess@NRGoncology.org: NRG Oncology will assign a staff member to work with the investigator and shepherd the project through the review process. The Feasibility Query will be reviewed by NRG Oncology Biospecimen Bank and Statistical Department staff. The investigator will be provided with a preliminary evaluation of the overall feasibility of the project including specimen availability and the appropriateness of the research question.
- If the feasibility evaluation is positive the investigator will be instructed to complete the NCTN Core Correlative Science Proposal Submission Form and submit it to BiospecimenAccess@NRGoncology.org. NRG Oncology Biospecimen Bank and Statistical Department staff will work with the investigator to refine the application prior to its submission to the NCTN-CCSC for their review and approval.
- The NCTN-CCSC will review the application for scientific merit and alignment with the goals of the NCTN. The CCSC will provide written comments of their review.
- If the application is approved by the NCTN-CCSC the investigator will work with NRG Oncology staff to complete the regulatory and legal documentation needed prior to disbursement of the specimens. The documentation required includes:
- IRB/Ethics Committee review/approval notification
- Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) and funding commitment
- Data Transfer Agreement (DTA), if appropriate, for the transfer of clinical data
Investigators are required to notify NRG Oncology regarding any publications that result from the use of the biospecimens.
For more information about the NRG Oncology Biospecimen Bank please email BiospecimenAccess@NRGoncology.org.
