Core A: Biospecimens and Pathology Core

ABSTRACT – BIOSPECIMEN PATHOLOGY CORE (BP CORE) Endometrial cancer (EC), the fourth most common cancer in US women, shows one of the largest cancer health disparities, with Black women demonstrating a significantly higher 5-year mortality rate from EC than other groups. Furthermore, the frequency and mortality of EC continues to rise. A central focus of the Cancer Health Disparities (CHD) SPORE in EC is to understand the biological reasons for this disparity. To assist in this goal, the Biospecimen Pathology Core (BP Core) provides biobanking, histopathology, central pathology review, and genomic assay services. To guide the BP Core in these areas, our team has a two-part leadership team of Adam D. Pfefferle, PhD and Russell R. Broaddus, MD, PhD, as well as a dedicated Program Manager. Our team will support the CHD SPORE in EC through the following specific aims: Aim 1. Provide biobanking expertise, coordination, and honest broker support for endometrial tissue, blood, and other biospecimens obtained by the CHD SPORE in EC for use in Projects 1, 2 and 3 and investigators in the SPORE Developmental Research Program and Career Enhancement Program; Aim 2. Provide central histopathological review of EC specimens obtained by the CHD SPORE in EC for use in Projects 1, 2 and 3 and the Developmental Research and Career Enhancement Programs; Aim 3. Perform DNA and RNA genomic assays from bulk endometrial specimens obtained by the CHD SPORE in EC for use in Projects 1 and 2 and possible use in future Developmental Research and Career Development Projects; Aim 4. Perform spatial transcriptomic assays of endometrial specimens obtained by the CHD SPORE in EC for use in Project 3.