Contact:
James W. Jacobson, Ph.D.
Technology Development Branch
Cancer Diagnosis Program, DCTD, NCI
Telephone: 301-402-4185
E-mail: jj37d@nih.gov
Objective of the Project:
This initiative will support the application of high-throughput technologies for comprehensive analysis of molecular alterations to tumor specimens for the purpose of developing profiles of alterations that will form the basis for new tumor classification schemes. A secondary objective will be to develop molecular profiles that are unique to tumors from each organ. These unique profiles may form the basis of a scheme for the accurate identification of the primary sites of metastatic tumors of unknown origin. This initiative will lay the groundwork for changing the language of tumor classification from morphology-based to molecular-based schemes.
Description of the Project:
This initiative will establish National Cooperative Tumor Signatures Groups (NCTSGs), multi-disciplinary groups focused on the translation of comprehensive molecular technologies to the analysis of tumor specimens. The NCTSGs may select one or a related set of technologies to develop new molecular classification schemes for tumors. Each group should include the expertise necessary to support continued development and/or adaptation of the technologies selected and the expertise to ensure the selection of appropriate specimens for analysis. The necessary expertise is expected to include a mix of technology developers, engineers, basic cancer researchers, oncologists, pathologists, statisticians and experts in bioinformatics. Collaborations between investigators from academic and commercial organizations may be necessary in order to include all of the expertise required for the project and will be encouraged. To be successful, the NCTSGs will need to devise a strategy for obtaining high quality tissues. The NCTSGs will also need to develop and apply innovative bioinformatics and statistical tools for the management and analysis of the complex data sets that result from the application of these comprehensive technologies. Finally, the NCTSGs will be required to develop a strategy for making these valuable, information rich molecular data sets available to the cancer research community.