Requesting Samples
Guidelines for Requesting Samples
Samples are provided for specific projects, which must be clearly outlined by each investigator.
- All studies must be approved by the IRB.
- Samples must be used only for the purposes outlined.
- All investigators involved in the study must be included on the request.
All requests must be made in writing using the forms provided below:
- Tissue Request Form (pdf)
- Agreement Form (pdf)
The principal investigator should formally agree to the authorship guidelines before samples are transferred.
The principal investigator is bound by the MD Anderson Materials Transfer Agreement set in place by this institution.
The Oversight Committee reviews all requests for tissue on a monthly basis. Investigators will be notified of tissue availability shortly after each committee meeting.
For abundant* tissue, the following prioritization scheme is used:
- Principal investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center whose projects receive peer-reviewed funding
- Principal investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Outside investigators
For rare** samples, the Oversight Committee decides prioritization.
In the event of a dispute, written requests for reconsideration may be submitted to the Oversight Committee.
Requests for 15 or fewer samples of abundant tissue may be distributed without approval by the Oversight Committee.
Requests for tissue from investigators involved with biotech or pharmaceutical companies must first be approved by the Oversight Committee. If approved, one of the co-directors of the Tumor Bank must be included in budget discussions with the sponsoring company and MD Anderson Sponsored Agreements. Potential commitments of tissue for grant applications or for use in projects funded by biotech and pharmaceutical companies must first be approved by the Oversight Committee. The budget to be submitted must also be approved by the Oversight Committee.
All requests for tissue and serum must have prior IRB approval. Anyone requesting tissue will also be given a date to present their information to the appropriate working group for advisory comments.
*Abundant tissues are defined as those diagnoses which are seen frequently, such as high grade papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary.
**Rare tissues are defined as those diagnoses which are less frequently seen and include, but are not limited to, serous borderline ovarian tumors; low grade serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell carcinoma of the ovary; and samples from clinical trials and samples with more than two years of follow-up.