Specimen Utilization:

For detailed information to utilize specimens stored at the PCO, please refer to "Appendix C: Specimen Banking Policies" of the CALGB Policies and Procedures located at the Member Site of www.calgb.org. Questions related to specimen utilization should be directed to Paula Friedman, PhD, pfriedman@calgb.org or 773-702-4694.

Proposals using specimens from the PCO should be submitted to Dr. Paula Friedman. Proposals should be approximately 5 - 7 pages in length and should be written in the following format:

i.     Title of project, investigator and affiliation
ii.    Specific aims
iii.   Background and rationale
iv.   Methods and technical feasibility
v.    Preliminary Data
vi.   Statistical Considerations
vii.  Relevance to CALGB/cooperative group setting
viii. CALGB resources required
ix.   References
x.    Funding available to complete the proposed study

Proposals will be reviewed by appropriate CALGB Scientific Committees according to the following general criteria:

•   Will the study move the field forward; is it unique?
•   Does the study require the resources of a cooperative group?
•   Does the investigator have appropriate expertise/preliminary data?
•   Can the work be done in a timely fashion?
•   Will the results of the study impact patient care?

Investigators who have proposals approved are expected to abide by the following guidelines in conducting their research with specimens from the CALGB PCO:

•   Interact with the CALGB staff as required to fully develop the research proposal.
•   Present progress reports at CALGB meetings.
•   Submit laboratory data to the CALGB Statistical Center for final analysis and clinical correlations.
•   Submit Confict of Interest disclosure.
•   Use specimens only for approved projects and return unused specimens to the bank.
•   Submit manuscrpits and abstracts to the CALGB Central Office for review prior to submission for presentation/publication.
•   Submit IRB approval for the proposed research.
•   Maintain confientiality of reserach results unless required for protocol eligibility / randomization.