Core 2 - Prostate Tissue Core (PTC)

PROJECT SUMMARY - CORE 2 : PROSTATE TISSUE CORE (PTC) The Prostate Tissue Core (PTC) is the organizing structure managing human tissue, biospecimens and pathology resources of the UCSF Prostate Cancer SPORE. The PTC collects, processes, and distributes biospecimens from patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who have agreed to donate their tissue for research. Specimens and corresponding data within the repository are managed through the PTC Specimen Tracking Database, which is linked to clinical outcomes databases external to the SPORE. Prior to storage, and again at distribution, Core pathologists review all tissue to verify histopathologic features and for quality control (QC) purposes and record these into the database. The PTC is responsible for the distribution of tissue specimens to SPORE approved investigators and projects (inside and outside of the institution), for tracking the use of those tissues and recovering any unused specimens. The PTC coordinates the use of tissue from sources outside of the PTC, including collaborations with other SPOREs, other Cancer Centers, National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN)and Pharma partners. The PTC performs a number of laboratory services in support of research projects, including basic histology services (FFPE and OTC-embedded tissue sectioning, staining and macro-dissection), laser-capture-microdissection, DNA and RNA extractions, selected library preparation and sequencing, digital slide scanning and tissue microarray (TMA) construction. The PTC houses cell lines and other tissue-based preclinical models, and catalogs unique cell lines and models developed and housed in SPORE projects and other laboratories, to ensure that they are widely available to all SPORE investigators. The PTC provides input to ensure the proper design and execution of projects using PTC resources. The work of the PCT is accomplished by the efforts of a dedicated team of pathologists, scientific investigators, biostatisticians, lab technologists, data managers, and clinical research coordinators (CRCs), along with the medical oncologists and urologists that recruit appropriate patient volunteers to participate in these activities. At project completion, the mCRPC collection of biopsies with matching blood and outcome data from at least 850 patients will represent one of the largest collections of such material in the world.