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The Cooperative Human Tissue Network. An update
V A LiVolsi1, K P Clausen, W Grizzle
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia 19104.
Background:
During the past decade, the National Cancer Institute became aware of a lack of availability of human tissues for research, especially in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and immunology.
Methods:
In 1987, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) established the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) by funding three institutions that had extensive experience in the procurement and distribution of tissues for research.
Results:
Since its inception, the CHTN has been expanded to five member institutions, with the addition of the Columbus Children's Hospital (the Pediatric Division for the procurement of pediatric tissues) and Case Western Reserve University. Each of the five divisions have established regional networks of institutions that supply tissues to the major divisions. From 1987 through 1991, the CHTN has distributed more than 29,000 human tissue samples and supplied approximately 500 researchers throughout the country.
Conclusions:
This report describes the development and current status of the CHTN, a valuable resource to the research community.
Insights
The Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) was established to address the scarcity of human tissues for research. This valuable resource has supplied over 29,000 tissue samples to researchers nationwide.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Cancer research
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- National Cancer Institute identified a critical shortage of human tissues for research.
- Research areas impacted include molecular biology, genetics, and immunology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and current status of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN).
- To highlight the CHTN as a vital resource for the scientific community.
Main Methods:
- Established in 1987 by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
- Funded three initial institutions with expertise in tissue procurement and distribution.
- Expanded to five member institutions, including specialized pediatric tissue procurement.
Main Results:
- The CHTN expanded to five member institutions, creating regional networks for tissue supply.
- Distributed over 29,000 human tissue samples between 1987 and 1991.
- Supported approximately 500 researchers across the country.
Conclusions:
- The Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) has successfully addressed the need for research tissues.
- The CHTN serves as a crucial and valuable resource for biomedical researchers.