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The MGH Tissue Repository has been in operation since 1996.
It was established through a collaborative effort between
the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, the Division
of Hematology and Medical Oncology, the Department
of Medicine and the Department of Pathology. Its goal is
to collect human tumor surgical specimens for distribution
to researchers in the Massachusetts General Hospital’s
scientific community, and to the broader biomedical science
community as well. Tumor specimens are now available for
distribution to researchers.
Tumor specimens are collected through the hospital's operation rooms. Resected
specimens are sent to the frozen section lab where they are dissected for diagnosis
by the pathology staff. Excess tissue is collected by the pathology staff/ the
Repository’s Pathology Assistants, and snap frozen for transportation and
storage in liquid nitrogen. If available, samples of corresponding normal tissue
are also gathered.
Over 32,000 specimens have been collected and catalogued by the Repository, of
which thousands have been distributed to researchers. The specimens have been
used successfully for wide variety of research purposes. For example, they were
used for extraction of RNA, DNA and proteins and for human molecular genetics
studies. Some researchers have been able to establish specific tumor cell lines.
The research results generated by using the MGH Repository specimens have been
published in outstanding research journals, Cell 90, 785-795 (1997). If possible,
tumors may be gathered prospectively at the request of a researcher.
Samples are available for distribution to qualified investigators. For a catalogue
of specimens by tissue site and diagnosis, please visit the Repository's
abridged catalogue/listings.
To obtain tissue:
- An Application for Specimens must be completed and
submitted for approval. To request an application please
Email: MGHTISSUEREPOSITORY@partners.org or
call 617-724-7355.
- Approval is based on scientific feasibility of the proposed study and availability of the requested tissues. Depending on scope of the study and number of samples requested, additional information or arrangement may be required before an application is approved. Tissue request(s) from large-scale projects (requiring more than 30 samples), as well as multi-center studies require consultation with Repository's director who will help determine the details to be included in the application for specimens.
- For requests from outside of the Partners HealthCare
System, in addition to the above application, a brief Material
Transfer Agreement (pdf) must be completed and
returned to the MGH Tissue Repository.
For information:
Email: MGHTISSUEREPOSITORY@partners.org
or
call: 617-724-7355.
MGH Tissue Repository
Warren Building,
Rm 112
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
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