Experiences of the first community hospital to submit specimens for the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project.

Abstract

e12035 Background: In September 2008, the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Christiana Care Health System received an award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to collect glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, and ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma tumor tissue along with corresponding normal specimens for TCGA. By January 2009 all of the required documentation including standard operating procedures, consent, and material transfer agreement had been submitted and IRB approval was obtained. In February 2009 tissue collection commenced. Methods: Implementation required addition of personnel, as well as buy-in from participating departments and individuals, and a continuing education plan. The addition of five full-time positions was deemed necessary. Three research nurses to screen, consent, and follow patients and two tissue procurement technicians to procure the surgical specimens from the operating room and process the tissue selected by a pathologist per the TCGA protocol were hired. Prior to collecting tissue, inservice sessions were held for surgeons, operating room staff, histology staff, and pathologists. Results: Shortly after collection began, the NCI gave approval for the collection of other tumor types in anticipation of an expansion list of tumor types, which was released in October 2009. The Table below lists the different tumor types that have successfully been collected and passed the stringent quality control requirements. Conclusions: In order to collect high-quality biospecimens in a community hospital setting it is essential to have dedicated staff for both screening, consenting, and following patients and for tissue handling. It is also necessary to educate and then maintain buy-in from the individuals and departments whose cooperation is required throughout the process. Tumor type # Eligible Glioblastoma multiforme 7 Serous cystadenocarcinoma 15 Squamous cell carcinoma 7 Lung adenocarcinoma 18 Colorectal adenocarcinoma 30 Infiltrating ductal carcinoma 5 Endometrial carcinoma 1 Total 83 No significant financial relationships to disclose.