Title:
Innovations in Cancer Sample Preparation (R21, R33, R21/R33)

Contact:
Gregory J. Downing, D.O., Ph.D.
Office of Technology and Industrial Relations
National Cancer Institute
Telephone: (301) 496-1550
E-mail: downingg@mail.nih.gov

Objective of Project:

The objective of this initiative is cover the development and significant enhancement or adaptation of sample preparation methodologies and technologies, the development of assays to assess sample quality, and studies designed to elucidate the criteria by which to judge sample quality.

Sample preparation methods and technologies may be developed for sample collection, processing, isolation, storage, purification, preservation, and, in the case of stored tissues, reversal of adverse events resulting from storage and preservation. Methods may be developed for preparation of molecules, fluids, tissues, or any other samples necessary for cancer research. Researchers may propose to develop methods to: (1) isolate cells or sub-cellular components, such as classes of molecules, organelles, or sub-cellular structures; (2) isolate specific classes of molecules, such as membrane-bound proteins; and/or (3) determine the effects of collecting, processing, and storage on molecular components of interest in stored specimens. The goal is to develop products and methodologies that maximize the quality and utility of samples for research and, in the case of human specimens, maximize the quality of the samples for research and clinical needs without compromising patient care.

Sample preparation methods may impact the results or interpretation of biological studies. Investigators may apply different methods of sample preparation using the same measurement technology. In many cases of measuring biological response, no "gold standard" exists by which to compare research results obtained from the different sample preparation methods. There is a need for methods to assess the quality of samples prepared using different methodologies. This funding opportunity will support methods to assess sample quality and studies that elucidate the criteria needed to judge sample quality under different conditions. This funding opportunity will also support the development of technologies to make these assessments, such as the development of sample reference materials that can be used to calibrate the effectiveness of new fixatives or new detection methodologies.

Description of Project:

High quality sample preparations are the foundation for effective technology validation as well as meaningful biological and clinical research. Sample preparation covers the spectrum from preparation of molecules to cells and even tissues. Preparation of the highest quality samples can be hampered by technical issues, lack of standards by which to judge quality, and lack of standard practices. Sample preparation methods vary. Researchers often develop sample preparation methodologies in an ad hoc fashion as part of other projects. This lack of information and standardization affects the quality and comparability of data across all fields of cancer research and across all technological platforms. There remains a compelling need for new and improved methodologies for sample preparation and sample quality assessment. The initiative will utilize the NIH R21, R33, and combined (phased innovation) R21/R33 grant mechanisms. Two companion funding opportunity announcements, one utilizing the SBIR grant mechanism and another utilizing the STTR grant mechanism, will also be issued.