ASPO Abstracts
Analysis of biospecimen collection trends within newly funded research activities at the National Cancer Institute
Category: Molecular Epidemiology & Environment
Conference Year: 2023
Abstract Body:
Purpose of the study: We evaluated the type and characteristics of biospecimens in newly funded National Cancer Institute (NCI) grants and identified trends to better understand current biospecimen use practices and needs. Methods: An analysis of population-science cancer research grants newly funded by the NCI Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences that involve biospecimens was conducted. Data was available for 250 peer-reviewed grants active as of March 2022 that were coded as involving biospecimens. Trends in biospecimen source (using existing, newly-collected, or both), funding program and mechanism, biospecimen type, and cancer site under study were identified. Results: Of all new grants active as of March 2022, 250 out of 682 (37%) used biospecimens. Of all grants using biospecimens, 129 (52%) collected new biospecimens, 88 (35%) used existing, and 33 (13%) used both. The Epidemiology and Genetic Research Program and the Behavioral Research Program funded the highest number of grants involving biospecimens (64% and 28%, respectively). The R01 (used to support discrete, specified, circumscribed research projects) and U01 (research project cooperative agreement) mechanisms funded the highest number of grants involving biospecimens (59% and 14%, respectively). Whole blood, DNA, and tissue (fresh, frozen, paraffin-embedded) were the most highly collected biospecimens (59%, 50%, and 40%, respectively). Breast, colorectal/anal, and prostate cancers were the most common sites under study in grants using biospecimens (30%, 20%, and 10%, respectively). Conclusion: The majority of biospecimens in newly awarded grants are collected new and intended for a specific research project. The most common types collected (whole blood, DNA, tissue) should be considered against trends in biospecimen requirements for new high-throughput and -omics testing and in research involving screening, diagnosis, and treatment modalities. The use of biospecimens in cross-cutting disciplines (epidemiology, genetics, social, and behavioral) should continue to be encouraged, with an emphasis on collaborative use.
Keywords: biospecimens, biospecimen collection, grants, molecular testing