Core A: Biospecimen Processing

The goal of the Biospecimen Processing Core (BPC, Core A) is to provide high-quality, clinically annotated biospecimens to all four research projects proposed in this SPORE application as well as ongoing and future SPORE-sponsored DRP (Developmental Research Program) and CEP (Career Enhancement Program) projects, and to serve as a critical biospecimen resource to the broader leukemia research community. The BPC will be responsible for identifying and enrolling every patient referred to the Siteman Cancer Center (SCC) with newly diagnosed hematologic malignancy (excluding multiple myeloma). Biospecimens from these patients will be collected at multiple timepoints, processed, and stored by leveraging the extensive infrastructure of the Siteman Cancer Center Tissue Procurement Core (TPC), a CAP-accredited biorepository with over 20 years of experience in biospecimen banking. Clinical data will be collected prospectively by integrating with and extending the mission of an existing Clinical Database Core (CDC), previously established as part of a Genomics of AML (GAML) Program Project Grant (PPG) to serve as a platform for the investigation of genetic mutations associated with the pathogenesis of MDS and AML. As such, Core A will expand upon existing SCC resources with focused expertise and effort to comprehensively collect, annotate, quality review, and distribute biospecimens specifically for translational leukemia and leukemia-related cancer research.