# Core C: Biospecimen and Pathology

> **NIH NIH P50** · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · 2020 · $422,291

## 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:** 9973091
- **Project number:** 5P50CA168504-07
- **Recipient organization:** DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- **Principal Investigator:** Deborah A. Dillon
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $422,291
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9973091

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9973091, Core C: Biospecimen and Pathology (5P50CA168504-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9973091. Licensed CC0.

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