Pathology Shared Resource

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Overview: The Pathology Shared Resource (PSR) merges the Tissue Biobank and Histology SR and Molecular Pathology SRs into a single entity. The PSR, through four integrated sections, provides specialized expertise and an extensive array of services to support basic and translational research. Services and Expertise: The PSR leverages the clinical infrastructure of the Dept. of Pathology (DOP) to provide researchers access to a full spectrum of expertise in biobanking, pathology, histology, molecular pathology, and cytogenetics. Services include archival and real-time biospecimen collection, management, clinical trial support, and access to annotated biospecimens. Associated curated comprehensive clinical, pathologic, and molecular data is provided through the Pathology Data Warehouse and Health Data Compass in collaboration with the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics SR. Research Histology provides histology and immunohistochemistry services on animal and human tissue specimens. Molecular Pathology offers CLIA-level pre-analytical and molecular testing services; and the Cytogenetics section offers analysis for cancer genomic aberrations at chromosomal and whole genome levels. The PSR is equipped to support basic and translational research projects and support the logistics for institutional and multi-institutional clinical trials including investigator-initiated trials (IIT). Management: The PSR is managed by the Department of Pathology with oversight of CCSG resources performed by UCCC's Associate Director for Basic Research. Operating Budget: CCSG funding represents 13% of the annual $2.5M operating budget with the remaining from user fees (46%), institutional support (26%) and other grants (15%). Consultation and Education: The PSR provides education to research teams on proper biospecimen practices, clinical and research laboratory testing, and biomarker assay development using individual consultations and group seminars. Innovation: The PSR has established strategic partnerships with other SRs, including the Human Immune Monitoring, Mass Spectrometry, Genomics, Flow, and Cell Technologies SRs to provide specialized biospecimen analysis and access to high-throughput biomarker analysis platforms. Over the last funding cycle investments of $2.5M institutional funds have enabled centralization of biobanking and expansion of data capabilities, leading to improved availability of biospecimens with annotated clinicopathological data and shorter turn-around times for projects. Use of Services: During the last funding period >10k services and >20k specimens were provided to 290 investigators (48% UCCC members), supporting 350 clinical trials, 20 IITs, and basic research projects resulting in 117 cancer related publications. Future Directions: Annotation of biospecimen cohorts will be enhanced with pathological, clinical, and molecular data and made available in formats, such as TMAs, that enable high-throughput analysis through partner SRs. With UCCC's strategic decision to form a single PSR and leverage DOP's wide range of expertise, the PSR is well-positioned to expand its critical role within the UCCC and to facilitate basic and translational research for its members.