# Biospecimen Procurement and Molecular Epidemiology Resource

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2021 · $2

## Abstract

The Biospecimen Procurement and Molecular Epidemiology Resource (BioMER) provides HCCC members with
IRB-compliant, clinically annotated, quality-ensured biomaterials to facilitate research objectives. These materials
include tissues which are distributed as fresh, frozen or paraffin-embedded specimens, and serum, plasma and
germline DNA, all linkable to tumor samples and clinical data catalogued in coordination with the tissue. The
BioMER uses a single unified biorepository consent that allows current and future use of tissue for research,
permissions to link that tissue to clinical data, and to recontact the patient for additional studies. All newly
diagnosed patients with appropriate histologies as selected by the investigators are approached for informed
consent. Following enrollment, serum, plasma, buffy coat and peripheral blood DNA (at diagnosis and selected
longitudinal time points) are collected, as is excess surgical tissue (tumor and normal) from resections and
biopsies.
The BioMER also offers meticulous collection of longitudinal clinical data, linked as needed to biospecimens.
BioMER staff abstract clinical information including tumor stage, histology, lab and imaging data, treatment
modality, treatment response, events (progression, death) and comorbidities. In general, clinical information on
each subject is updated 2x/year for three years, then annually. Psychosocial data including quality-of-life analyses
are collected longitudinally. The clinical data are periodically validated to enable their readiness for analysis
without investigators needing to return to the medical record. The BioMER is responsible for providing a single
point of entry for investigators requesting specimens for research use. The BioMER is vital to multiple projects
that rely on biospecimens linked to clinical data and supports research in all four research programs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10169603
- **Project number:** 2P30CA086862-21
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Carlos HF Chan
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $2
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2000-07-14 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10169603

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10169603, Biospecimen Procurement and Molecular Epidemiology Resource (2P30CA086862-21). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10169603. Licensed CC0.

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