Continuation and Expansion of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank for Translational Research (U24)
Supports continuation and expansion of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank, a research resource providing biospecimens and clinical data for translational mesothelioma research.
About this program
This grant funds the ongoing operations and expansion of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank, a specialized biorepository that collects, processes, and distributes biospecimens (tissue, blood, etc.) and associated clinical data from mesothelioma patients. The Virtual Bank serves as a critical resource for researchers studying mesothelioma biology, developing new diagnostic tools, and advancing therapeutic approaches. The grant supports specimen collection protocols, data management systems, quality assurance activities, and expanded outreach to increase specimen availability and diversity for the research community.
Eligibility
Research institutions, universities, medical centers, and organizations with established research infrastructure and biorepository expertise. Must demonstrate capacity to maintain biospecimens, ensure regulatory compliance, protect patient privacy, and provide specimens to qualified researchers.
Requirements
- Established biorepository infrastructure and quality assurance protocols
- Regulatory compliance with HIPAA, IRB approval, and specimen handling standards
- Documented partnerships with mesothelioma patient populations and clinical sites