Biorepository and Registry at the Center for Childhood Cancer Research
As one of few existing repositories focused on the collection of pediatric tissues, the Center for Childhood Cancer Research (CCCR) Biorepository and Registry plays a critical role in the advancement of scientific research and personalized medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Investigators in the biorepository focus on collecting biological samples from a myriad of pediatric cancer patients to create a robust specimen bank. In turn, specimens maintained in the biobank can be requested by researchers for use in future studies. All requests are reviewed by an experienced Scientific Committee, composed of a team of leading oncologic investigators, who help researchers create more compelling scientific questions and procedures.
Researchers also gain access to CCCR’s Harvest, a database containing key, de-identified information on their withdrawn specimen. This information includes results from genetic testing, pathology, and many other specimen characteristics.
Due to the relative rarity of childhood tumors and diversity of tumor types, investigators often face significant temporal barriers in acquiring enough of a target specimen for their research. The CCCR Biorepository and Registry significantly reduces this barrier by providing researchers access to a multitude of already characterized specimen centralized in CHOP. In addition, the CCCR Biorepository continues to support many of the research goals established by the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force by:
- Connecting our investigators to a database of critical research data, including genetic information
- Promoting more efficient use of human specimens
- Enabling streamlined research processes
- Facilitating collaboration between researchers and an experienced Scientific Committee