Core Center Resources:
Tissue Procurement and Histology
Translational Research – Mark Curtis, M.D., Ph.D., TJU
Since the inception of the Translational Research Shared Resource (formerly the “Pathology Core”) its mission has been to provide tissue processing, slide preparation, histochemical staining and immunohistochemical staining for human neoplastic tissue and experimental animal model tissue being utilized by KCC researchers.
This shared resource has also provided procurement, banking and distribution of human neoplastic tissue in order to facilitate translational research. The recently instituted caBIG clinical database provides pathologic and clinical information corresponding to the tissue specimens present in the resource tumor/tissue bank.
In addition, the Translational Research Shared Resource provides tissue microarrays using standard and CEMA technology with paraffin archive material from the resource tumor/tissue bank. Laser microdissection of distinct cell and tissue types for molecular analysis can be performed on the resource’s Laser Microdissection system.
For all of the capabilities offered by the Translational Research Shared Resource, staff is available to provide technical support and pathology expertise to KCC investigators. In 2006 twentynine principal investigators from various programs of KCC including Cancer Cell Biology & Signaling, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Immunological Mechanisms in Cancer, Endocrine Mechanisms & Hormone Action in Cancer, Radiation Research & Translational Biology and Gastrointestinal Cancer benefited from this shared resource.
Facilities
The Translational Research Shared Resource provides the KCC with six core functions:
- Tissue procurement, banking, and distribution;
- Histology services;
- Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent in situ staining of tissue sections
- Production of tissue microarrays and related automated quantitative analysis of in situ biomarker assays using AQUA/PM2000 image analysis platform;
- Microdissection of tissues and capture of individual cell types for molecular analyses;
- Clinical-pathologic data collection.
Snap frozen and paraffin embedded tissues are available from the Translational Research Shared Resource tumor/tissue bank to participating scientists for IRB approved research projects. Surgical pathologists and/or the Translational Research Shared Resource technician harvest tissues from surgical pathology specimens. Dr. Peter McCue, Director of Anatomic Pathology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, oversees the resource frozen tumor/tissue bank that is located in Surgical Pathology of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. All specimens added to the tumor/tissue bank are evaluated as to organ type, tumor content, and tissue viability. Confirmation of nature of the tissue added to the bank is performed by the surgical pathologist collaborating with the Kimmel Cancer Center investigator. Tissue viability is assessed to assure optimal tissue quality for molecular analyses. De-identified clinical-pathologic data is collected for all banked tissue and entered into the ca-BIG data system.
Tissue Procurement – Brian Little, M.D., Ph.D., Christiana Care
The Tissue Procurement Center (TPC) was developed at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center (HFGCC) in 2004, established with the goal of banking tissue appropriate for DNA and RNA extraction, tissue arrays, laser-capture microdissection, and immunohistochemistry. A total of just over 1000 tissue specimens have been collected to date, including 20 breast, 436 colon, 24 esophagus, four kidney, four larynx, 40 liver, 396 lung, 16 parotid, and 96 rectal. The TPC was one of the reasons for the NCI Cancer Genome Atlas Project award to the HFGCC in October 2008, which will bring additional jobs and national exposure to CCHS and HFGCC. A similar TPC also exists at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) and will be a tremendous resource for scientists in the Delaware Center for Cancer Biology (DCCB) for innovative cancer research. Both TJU and the HFGCC are part of the National Cancer Institute Cancer Bioinformatics Grid (caBIG,) utilizing caTissue for data collection. At NCI Community Cancer Research (NCCCR) efforts are ongoing to establish a Nemours Tissue Procurement Laboratory (NTPL). This facility will bank childhood tumor tissues and blood samples collected from three Nemours sites in Florida (Jacksonville, Orlando, and Pensacola) and the one in Wilmington, DE. As described for the TPC established at the HFGCC, NTPL should enhance research productivity, collaboration, and funding for childhood cancer research in Delaware. Moreover, biotechnology and biomedical companies are interested in acquiring specimens for cancer research, which will serve as a nidus for collaboration with researchers in the DCCB.
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) scientists will extract both DNA and RNA (part of the unique genetic material that carries instructions for how a person’s body develops and functions) from each tissue specimen. When deprived of normal blood supply, this tissue degrades rapidly, necessitating the need for speed in collecting and preserving the tissue. In fact, the tissue procurement team will have less than 20 minutes to collect, process, and flash-freeze each specimen in liquid nitrogen. Each sample must be confirmed for diagnosis and viability by the pathologist.
Collecting, storing and sharing tissue and blood samples for research.
- Patients who agree to participate can feel confident that their tissue specimen will be used immediately for studies that could potentially benefit others in the future with the same type of cancer.
- Processes are in place to support TCGA in the collection of ovarian, lung, and brain cancers, and are being streamlined to maximize specimen viability. Specimens will be collected from patients with other types of cancers as the award period progresses; the award will fund the eventual hiring of nine individuals including research nurses and technicians to meet the increased demand.
Immunohistochemistry – Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., Christiana Care
Establishment of an immunohistochemistry facility at the CTCR is also planned in conjunction with opening of the new Pavilion at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center in 2009. Plans include obtaining a Ventana Benchmark XT Autostainer for this Facility. This system will process immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) tests independently or simultaneously. Complete automated processing is possible, with a throughput of 60 slides in an 8-hour period. Ventana has over 260 antibodies to choose and it is an open system capable of handling any third-party antibodies.
Histotechnology – Jeffery Twiss, M.D., Ph.D., Nemours
The Histotechnology Core is a full service histology facility providing routine and special histology technique. Services include: Immunocytochemistry, Immunofluorescence and immunohisto-chemistry; In situ hybridization, In-situ-PCR and TUNEL; H&E, special staining and basic cytology; Immuno Gold, Immuno silver and BrdU; Laser Capture Microdissection and Immunodiagnostics. The Core lab has been in operation since 1986, serving the hospital’s research and clinical staff. It is staffed by 4 ASCP certified histology technicians Boyce, Bobbie (Admin. Assist.), Jesse, Justin, HT (ASCP), McLaughlin, Terry Tomasso, Kristen, HT (ASCP) and directed by Carol Barone, a board certified manager with 30 years experience.