Providing human tissues for research - How to establish a program

The Cooperative Human Tissue Network is a group composed of cooperating aca demic institutions that supply human tissues to researchers studying a wide range of neoplastic and other diseases. The experience of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network in establishing methods of prospective tissue collecti on and in developing tumor banks is discussed to aid institutions in establ ishing tissue resources for their local investigators, who may wish to use human tissues in current or future research projects. The advantages to pat hology departments and to associated medical institutions of establishing a n organized tissue resource include ensuring proper institutional review bo ard approval of research projects using human tissues, protecting diagnosti c specimens, creating new opportunities for extramural research, increasing the speed of diagnostic specimen transport to surgical pathology, and prov iding educational and research opportunities for pathologists and pathology residents. Methods of tissue collection, processing, storage, data collect ion, and supply are outlined. Also, resources necessary to begin organized tissue collection, including personnel, space, equipment, and supplies, are discussed.