# Core B: Biological Models, Multiplexed Optical Biopsy, Molecular Pathology, and Biostatistics Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $169,322

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The Biological Models, Multiplexed Optical Biopsy, Molecular Pathology, and Biostatistics Core, Core B,
integrates novel biological models with newly developed biochemical and imaging assay platforms to enable
the development of the treatments envisioned in the Program Projects. The objective of Core B is to provide a
service and research platform to increase the efficiency of microscopy, biostatistics and pathology techniques
used by all four Program Projects. Core B will also coordinate centrally communicating biostatistics and
pathological services to support experimental design and the interpretation of preclinical and clinical results.
Collectively, the Core aims to develop new flexible and scalable technologies for skin and pancreatic cancer in
partnership with the Program Projects to move the field further towards personalized and individualized
therapies by informing the timing of immune checkpoint inhibition. This could have a tremendous impact with
implications in the long run for customized, precision immune checkpoint inhibition treatments that maximize
efficacy while reducing toxicity. This research and development component of Core B will provide novel cancer
models and tumor imaging technologies for the advancement of the Program Projects. Core B is interactive
with all of the Program Projects and each Project will leverage Core B resources and services, as follows:
newly developed patient-derived in vitro organoid models from skin biopsies (Project 1) and pancreatic cancer
discarded surgical tissue (Project 3); previously established in vivo immunocompetent mouse models of skin
cancer (Project 1) and pancreatic cancer (Project 3); and, novel video multiplexed in vivo microendoscopy
(Projects 1, 2, and 3) that was developed and validated during the previous funding cycle. In addition, the Core
provides biostatistics and molecular pathology services to Projects 1, 2, and 3, with guidance from expert
biostatisticians as well as pathologists with expertise in skin and pancreatic cancer. The strong infrastructure at
MGH and the Mayo Clinic available at no costs makes this ambitious plan for Core B possible within the
minimal resources of the P01. The microscopy support includes unique hardware and software, with rigorous
validations, for hyperspectral multiplexing and this use of operational, custom-designed systems also
introduces not only unique capabilities but also cost savings compared to commercial solutions. Collectively,
Core B has the necessary infrastructure and personnel to maximize the success of the Program Projects in the
discovery of novel combination regimens for photodynamic priming of immune checkpoint inhibition with
potential to provide durable treatment outcomes and to improve quality of life for both skin and pancreatic
cancer patients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10929408
- **Project number:** 5P01CA084203-19
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Bryan Quilty Spring
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $169,322
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1999-12-01 → 2028-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10929408

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10929408, Core B: Biological Models, Multiplexed Optical Biopsy, Molecular Pathology, and Biostatistics Core (5P01CA084203-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10929408. Licensed CC0.

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