Biorepositories and Translational Research Service Center

Request for Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Biospecimens

Request for Specimens and/or Clinical Data

A biorepository is an indispensable resource for researchers to address clinically relevant questions using high-quality, clinically annotated human biospecimens. While accessibility and biospecimen utilization are very important, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository needs to manage biospecimen usage to ensure that these valuable resources will appropriately address critical scientific questions for current and future researchers. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the researchers and the translational research staff to work together in the following manner to meet the researchers' goals while keeping in mind the need for future research.

Upon determining the need and available funding for research involving biospecimen use, the researcher should submit the “Request for Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Banked Biospecimens”. After submission, you will be sent the “Agreement for Use of Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository Services” for your signature.

Researchers should submit the request to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository before submitting for IRB approval. This allows the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository to guide the researcher in obtaining the proper regulatory permissions and allows the group time to evaluate the feasibility of the researcher’s request. After the request is received, the Biospecimen Use Committee will review it and notify the researcher of its decision. The purpose of the Biospecimen Use Committee is to support access to biospecimens for research through the assessment of criteria such as scientific rationale, validity of the scientific project, potential conflicts of interest, and fair biospecimen/data allocation practices. If the Biospecimen Use Committee approves the request, the researcher must then acquire the appropriate regulatory permissions and contracts for biospecimen use according to their institution.

Required Permissions for Researchers to Use the Biorepository's Services. 

In accordance with national, state, and local laws, along with TJU policies, all researchers must obtain proper regulatory forms for using human subject materials. This includes using the tissue and/or any associated patient data. While the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository has IRB-approved protocols in place for the collection and storage of various biospecimens and accompanying clinical data, the protocols do not include research of the biospecimens or analysis of clinical data. Therefore, all researchers wishing to use the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Translational Research Group resources must obtain the appropriate regulatory permissions for their laboratory to conduct the research and analysis. Below is a breakdown of the minimum permissions required by researchers. It is the responsibility of the researchers, with the help of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository, to determine what regulatory requirements they need to meet for their specific research.
     • For TJU researchers: The researcher must determine whether a non-exempt IRB protocol is necessary or if an OHR-19 (Research Involving Coded or Anonymous Private Information and Biological Specimens), or an equivalent, is sufficient.
        - After the IRB approves the appropriate forms, the researcher may then submit the IRB-approved form or protocol to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Translational Research Group.
        To maintain eligibility to receive tissue, documentation of the annual review of non-exempt protocols must be forwarded to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Translational Research Group.
     • For researchers outside of the TJU network, a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) and/or contract must be established.
        - Once the appropriate regulatory approvals and contracts are in place, the researcher must send approved copies to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Translational Research Group.

Biorepository & Translational Research Group Services

• Study Start-Up 
• Patient screening and consenting 
• Collection and distribution of fresh or frozen tissues and/or biofluids 
• Data Collection 
• PBMC Processing with storage in RNA later or RPMI/10% DMSO 
• Plasma 
• Fresh Frozen Tissue 
• Tissue in RNALater
• FFPE/slides-blocks
• Storage -80 and -150 (It includes but is not limited to Plasma, PBMC, Fresh Frozen Tissue, Tissue in RNALater, FFPE/slides-blocks)

Procedures to Utilize This Shared Resource:

For all first-time users, please watch iLab user tutorials videos.

The procedures are:

1. PI and lab members planning to use SKCCC shared resources under iLab must register in the iLab system.

2. Internal users will use their Jefferson campus credentials to log in after registering.

3. External users can generate their username and password. The PI should register first so their lab members can register under the PI’s lab.

4. Both internal and external PIs need to review and accept/approve the lab member’s membership request in the iLab system before the lab member can join and utilize the iLab portal.

See instruction: How to manage membership request and charge codes (for PI) 

See iLab registration link: https://skcc-pa.ilabsolutions.com/landing/2792

5. For internal users, PI needs to set up payment information with our IT expert Ryan Smalley (Tel: 3-9692, Email: Ryan.Smalley@jefferson.edu) after registration. 

6. For external users, please generate a PO (Purchase Order) before submitting the request to us.

    No request will go through the iLab system to us without payment information.

7. For internal users, PI needs to assign a charge code to their lab members to allow them to access the charge code. See instructions How to manage membership request and charge codes (for PI)

8. After PI assigns the charge code, the lab member can submit a request to us in the iLab portal under the Request Service tab. 

a. Fill out the Service request form associated with the New Service.

b. Enter the Charge Code under payment information.

c. Check all information entered above to make sure it is correct.

d. If you are ready, click the Submit button to submit the request to this shared resource. Otherwise, click "save a draft of the form" at the end of "Forms and Request Details" to save it under your account.

9. We will review, update, and confirm the request details.

10. After confirming the request details, the PI will be sent a service agreement that requires the PI's signature. 

11. If necessary, an OHR19 form will be submitted, and the service can begin once approved. 

Leadership

Hallgeir Rui, MD, PhD | Director

Haifeng Yang, PhD | Lab Director

Gemma Migneco, PhD | Scientific Director

Stefany Hinojosa, MS | Laboratory Manager

Hours of Operation, Location and Telephone

Useful Links and Resources

1. iLab user tutorials videos

2. How to manage membership request and charge codes(for PI)

3. SKCC Translational Research Shared Resource - List of Services & Price Schedule

4. Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Shared Resources

5. Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center