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CHTN at a Glance

How We Operate

CHTN is a prospective procurement resource catering to specific investigator experimental requests rather than a true “biobank” of stored samples ready to release. Each division primarily serves investigators in its assigned geographical region and will act as the point of contact for investigators applying to the assigned division. When the investigator's application is approved, the CHTN primary division will enter the details into a shared IT system so that all CHTN sites can view the application and requests. If a request cannot be served by the primary division, it will be networked to all or multiple CHTN divisions to help fulfill the research requests (called “networking a request“).

The network is overseen by a Coordinating Committee composed of representatives from the six CHTN divisions and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

CHTN sites operate independently of each other, however, each site uses a common Manual of Operations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guided by NCI Best Practices for Biorepositories and ISBER Best Practices, thus ensuring that the specimens are handled similarly to ensure reproducibility and scientific integrity.

Significant resources are allocated to locate, procure, quality check, and distribute the biospecimens. CHTN Investigators are responsible for accepting and reimbursing the CHTN for their time, effort, and service. (Investigator Responsibility FAQ)

CHTN's Dedication to Research and Discovery

CHTN has provided over 1.4 million biospecimens to over 4,500 different investigators as of 2024.

Over 4,200 papers have been published using CHTN samples, and 400 patents have been issued.

CHTN remains dedicated to evolving its services and incorporating advanced technologies such as whole slide imaging, blood processing, tissue microarrays (TMAs), specialized services, and procurement. (reporting numbers link)

The teams supporting each CHTN Division are exposed to the latest developments in biobanking and research, including discovery phase studies and clinical treatment trials. The CHTN teams strive to understand the needs of the individual projects, as well as the overall needs of the research community. For example, if a specific study requires services that are not currently offered (e.g., a specific and unique processing method), CHTN Coordinator will review the requirements with the investigator, and we often can accommodate special requests.

The CHTN works closely with the requesting investigator(s) to ensure that the biospecimens are handled and processed appropriately for the downstream application, that the process is timely, and all regulatory aspects of the request are covered.

Driving Innovation and Best Practices in Tissue Research

The CHTN is committed to enhancing the availability and ethical use of human tissues in biomedical research. In addition to specimen distribution, the CHTN actively contributes to the development of best practices and guidelines for biorepositories. This includes:

  • Providing high-quality human tissues to investigators for research in oncology, molecular biology, and translational medicine.
  • Leading the development of best practices and operational guidelines for human tissue repositories.
  • Offering consultation and training programs to aid in the establishment of other tissue resources.
  • Sharing informatics solutions with other tissue repositories at no cost.
  • Educating researchers and global leaders through publications, workshops, and training programs.
  • CHTN - Supporting cutting-edge biomedical The ability of CHTN to provide specialized prospective biospecimen collections and retrospective sample procurement has been highly effective, resulting in the cumulative distribution of 1,375,041 biospecimens through the end of 2021. These CHTN specimens supported at least 341 publications between 2017 and 2021 with an average impact factor of 6.8. It is important to note that some of the CHTN division institutions (and their pathologists) also supported The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program as tissue source sites, expert pathology reviewers, and with biospecimen processing infrastructure. The TCGA produced 73 publications between 2008 and February 2021, many of them high impact and widely cited. Some publications may exist that are not included in CHTN's records if formal acknowledgement of CHTN was omitted by the authors.
  • Strategic Planning for the Future - Currently the network also has a Strategic Planning Committee (comprised of the PIs of all divisions plus NCI representation). This committee is undertaking a series of projects to ensure the network continues to evolve optimally to meet researchers' needs. Website information is ensured to be current, and website design is updated as needed with links to social media channels. The network has a presence at large scientific meetings to increase awareness of the resource, and a current effort is focused on developing a new digital marketing strategy also aimed at increasing awareness.

Collaborating to Advance Research and Public Awareness

Beyond supplying specimens, the CHTN is actively engaged in global scientific dialogue on biorepository ethics, best practices, and the evolving role of human tissues in medical research. The network participates in:

  • The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) to shape global standards for biobanking.
  • Workshops and publications focused on optimizing biorepository operations.
  • International conferences addressing ethical and privacy concerns related to human tissue research.
  • Studies on factors affecting human tissue integrity and their impact on research reproducibility.
  • Engagement with patient advocacy groups to enhance transparency and public trust in biomedical research.

By bridging the gap between clinicians, researchers, and patient communities, the CHTN plays a critical role in accelerating cancer discoveries and ensuring that high-quality human biospecimens remain accessible for future medical breakthroughs

Other Biospecimen Resources

Researchers wishing to identify previously stored samples that may be readily available for use can access the NCI's separate Specimen Resource Locator, at https://specimens.cancer.gov for North America and https://irlocator.isber.org/ for International.