Toward improving practices for submission of diagnostic tissue blocks for national cancer institute clinical trials Review


Authors: Makhlouf, H.; Watson, M. A.; Lankes, H. A.; Weil, C.; Dickler, M.; Birrer, M.; Moskaluk, C.; Ramirez, N. C.; Okby, N.; Alonsozana, E.; Barnes, M.; Goldman, E. B.; Enos, R.; Lubensky, I.
Review Title: Toward improving practices for submission of diagnostic tissue blocks for national cancer institute clinical trials
Abstract: Objectives: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) National Clinical Trials Network performs phase II and III clinical trials, which increasingly rely on the submission of diagnostic formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks for biomarker assessment. Simultaneously, advances in precision oncology require that clinical centers maintain diagnostic specimens for ancillary, standard-of-care diagnostics. This has caused tissue blocks to become a limited resource for advancing the NCI clinical trial enterprise and the practice of modern molecular pathology. Methods: The NCI convened a 1-day workshop of multidisciplined experts to discuss barriers and strategic solutions to facilitate diagnostic block submission for clinical trial science, from the perspective of patient advocates, legal experts, pathologists, and clinical oncologists. Results: The expert views and opinions were carefully noted and reported. Conclusions: Recommendations were proposed to reduce institutional barriers and to assist organizations in developing clear policies regarding diagnostic block submission for clinical trials. © 2019 American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2019.
Keywords: review; pathology; oncology; cancer research; tissue section; standard; legal aspect; surgeon; accreditation; informed consent; awareness; health care organization; medical ethics; clinical laboratory; pathologist; clinical trials; policy; medical expert; paraffin embedding; molecular pathology; clinical trial (topic); workshop; oncologist; patient advocacy; patient autonomy; cancer; human; priority journal; multidisciplinary team; biobanks; ffpe blocks; nctn; diagnostic tissue block; lawyer
Journal Title: American Journal of Clinical Pathology
Volume: 153
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0002-9173
Publisher: Oxford University Press  
Date Published: 2020-02-01
Start Page: 149
End Page: 155
Language: English
DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqz141
PUBMED: 31613330
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC7169836
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Maura N Dickler
    262 Dickler