Biospecimen Resources

SWOG Cancer Research Network recognizes the importance of translational medicine projects with the aims of better understanding patients' prognoses, predicting response to specific therapies, and better understanding basic sciences.

James Rae, PhD
James Rae, PhD, SWOG Executive Officer for Translational Medicine and Biospecimen Banking

The specimens available from SWOG specimen banks are a limited and unique resource. In order to encourage, optimize, and prioritize the use of this resource, SWOG invites applications for its use through the process outlined below. It is hoped that making these tissues widely available will help advance research and collaboration.

Specimen Submission

Linked below are detailed instructions on how SWOG sites can submit specimens to SWOG's biorepository.

Application Process

Purpose   This policy is designed to ensure compliance with current NCI guidelines for specimen banking from cooperative groups while making SWOG specimens available to a broader research base. The goal of this process is to obtain a commitment for the use of available materials.

Eligibility   Investigators within SWOG as well as external investigators are welcome to submit a proposal for consideration. Please note for SWOG investigators, translational medicine proposals which are not integrated into the original clinical study protocol should be submitted in accordance with this process.

To Apply for Use of Biospecimen Resources   To confirm the existence and availability of specific biospecimens, complete the SWOG Biospecimen Query Form and submit to biospecimens@swog.org. Once you have received confirmation of biospecimen availability, complete the Proposal for an External Translational Medicine Study and submit to translationalmedicine@swog.org. Contact the SWOG Network Operations Center (NOC) in San Antonio at 210-614-8808 for clarification or to obtain forms.

It is advised that SWOG investigators develop the correlative science proposal in consultation with the relevant disease committee including the translational medicine chair, statistician, and committee chair.

PCPT and SELECT
PCPT_SELECT

PCPT and SELECT were two large prostate cancer prevention trials conducted by SWOG. A large biorepository of samples from these participants, which includes men who developed prostate as well as lung, colon, and other cancers, is now available for cancer researchers as well as other researchers interested in a population of generally healthy men for whom we have long-term follow-up. Review of proposals to use PCPT or SELECT biospecimens takes place quarterly. More information about the PCPT and SELECT biospecimens and their associated data elements is available on the SELECT Biorepository page and PCPT Biorepository page. To confirm the existence and availability of PCPT or SELECT biospecimens, complete the PCPT_SELECT Biorepository Form and submit to biospecimens@swog.org.

Review

Your proposal will be reviewed based on clinical and scientific import, preliminary data, statistical support showing feasibility, and demonstration that use of this unique and limited resource is crucial to the research proposed.

Once received, your proposal will be reviewed by the relevant disease committee chair if it is unclear that it has been approved within the committee already. With Committee Chair approval, a SWOG Review Committee ("Triage"), which has a standing weekly teleconference, will consider your proposal. That committee's decision will be communicated to the applicant via email or fax. Additional approvals may be required if the treatment study was part of an intergroup trial.

The authorization for use of specimens is not considered final until the applicant enters into a Specimen Use Agreement, agreeing to standard procedures for data analysis, data confidentiality, authorship, and intellectual property sharing.

Proposals which are not approved may be resubmitted if concerns are addressed or circumstances become more favorable.

Funding

Funding for proposed work is not part of this application process or approval consideration. Funding does not need to be applied for or obtained in order to submit a proposal. However, funding must be obtained for the proposed work in order for materials to be released. If funding is not obtained within a year of SWOG Review Committee approval, your proposal will be re-reviewed and approval may be withdrawn.

Distribution of specimens

The release of samples from SWOG biorepositories is authorized by the SWOG Tumor Bank Director once the following have occurred;

  • A Specimen Use Agreement is signed by all parties
  • Funding for the proposed work is obtained
  • Evidence of IRB approval for the project is provided.

SWOG Policy 39 outlines this application process and provides additional information.

For questions or comments regarding this process, contact the SWOG NOC in San Antonio at 210-614-8808 or email translationalmedicine@swog.org.

Other Biospecimen Resources

Applicants whose request for biospecimens is found not to be within the scope of SWOG clinical research may wish to consult the NCTN Biobanks Additional Resources page for further information on research involving biospecimens.