# Core C: Biospecimen and Pathology

> **NIH NIH P50** · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · 2021 · $329,582

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY 
The overarching goal of the Biospecimen/Pathology Core (BPC) is to facilitate translational research involving 
the acquisition and use of biological samples within the SPORE. To accomplish this, the Core will continue to 
offer a range of services for SPORE investigators and others in the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center 
(DF/HCC) breast cancer research community. These include 1) providing a tissue and blood repository; 2) 
collecting, storing, processing and analyzing tissue and blood from participants on SPORE clinical trials; and 3) 
providing readily accessible pathology and technical services, integrated with clinical data. In addition to standard 
pathology techniques, the BPC also offers access to state-of-the-art technologies, including cell-free DNA 
collection and analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence, automated imaging and genomic analyses. The BPC will 
centralize and prioritize access to biological samples for SPORE investigators, as well as support the larger 
DF/HCC breast cancer research community. 
Fresh tissue collection follows well-established protocols that are currently in place at three hospitals (Brigham 
and Women's Hospital [BWH], BW Faulkner Hospital [BWFH], and Massachusetts General Hospital [MGH]). 
Fixed tissue specimens are collected at all four hospitals (BWH, BWFH, MGH, and Beth Israel Deaconess 
Medical Center [BIDMC]). Blood collections take place at all outpatient locations. Specimen locations and linked 
clinical and pathologic annotations are maintained and distributions are tracked in caTissue. Requests for 
biospecimen use are reviewed and approved by a multidisciplinary DF/HCC Breast Data and Specimen Users 
Committee with representation across participating institutions. Pathology support is available at all stages of 
the research process. 
In this renewal application, we propose to maintain the same strong collection and distribution processes 
currently in place with added focus on collecting triple-negative breast cancer specimens, enhancing the 
formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) research tissue archives, adding cell-free DNA methodologies, 
improving the molecular annotation of existing biospecimens and enhancing immuno-oncology expertise and 
capabilities. The BPC will have direct involvement in each of the proposed SPORE projects, overseeing the 
collection, storage, quality assessment and processing of clinical trial biopsies and blood samples, and 
supporting preclinical objectives. The Core will also work with investigators throughout the DF/HCC and the 
wider breast research communities, including projects supported through career development program awards 
and developmental projects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10215410
- **Project number:** 5P50CA168504-08
- **Recipient organization:** DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- **Principal Investigator:** Deborah A. Dillon
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $329,582
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-09-17 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10215410

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10215410, Core C: Biospecimen and Pathology (5P50CA168504-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10215410. Licensed CC0.

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