The need for tumor tissue in NETs
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation is on a mission to fill the urgent need for more neuroendocrine tumor tissue for use in laboratory research.
The tumor tissue is needed to support the NETRF Cell Line Project underway with Pattern.org and the Broad Institute.
The Cell Line Project aims to expedite our molecular understanding of NETs and accelerate drug testing by increasing the tools and resources available to researchers.
Why do we need tumor tissue specimens?
Scientists use small leftover pieces of tumor tissue extracted during surgical or biopsy procedures to build tumor models.
What is a tumor model?
Researchers study cancer in the laboratory using tumor models. A model may be in the form of cells, tissues, or organoids; they serve as a substitute for humans in preclinical testing. Models allow researchers to study the development and progression of neuroendocrine cancer, and to test new treatments before they are given to humans.
Why do we need a tumor model in NETs?
Models are a fundamental element of cancer research: the way lumber and cement are to a house. Models form the foundation upon which all other research rests. If ideas, concepts, or drugs can’t be studied in the laboratory, they cannot progress into clinical or human studies. Medical research starts in the laboratory on models.
How do you donate tumor tissue?
Patients can donate tumor tissue through Pattern.org. Pattern.org links to an electronic consent form where patients can learn more about contributing. Should a patient decide to provide consent, Pattern.org arranges for excess tumor tissue to be shipped from a patient’s institution to the NETRF cell line research laboratory.
Make sure to talk to your doctor several weeks in advance of your procedure about your plan to donate excess tumor tissue.
If you donate a portion of your tumor tissue to the NETRF Cell Line Project, you can also choose to donate tissue to the institution where you undergo your procedure.
What happens to donated tumor tissue?
Samples donated via Pattern.org are sent to the research laboratories at the Broad Institute where they will be used to develop tumor models as part of the NETRF Cell Line Project. Learn more.
Who can donate tumor tissue?
Patients with neuroendocrine primary tumors or metastasis in the pancreas, small intestine, liver, or lungs may donate fresh tumor tissue from an upcoming procedure to the NETRF Cell Line Project.
Previous samples, already preserved or frozen, from earlier procedures are not eligible for donation.
If you or a patient you know has an upcoming surgery, you can visit Pattern.org to learn more about donating tumor tissue to advance neuroendocrine tumor research.