National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank: A Resource for Cancer Research
Author Information
Author(s): Amin Waqas, Parwani Anil V, Schmandt Linda, Mohanty Sambit K, Farhat Ghada, Pople Andrew K, Winters Sharon B, Whelan Nancy B, Schneider Althea M, Milnes John T, Valdivieso Federico A, Feldman Michael, Pass Harvey I, Dhir Rajiv, Melamed Jonathan, Becich Michael J
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank aims to provide well-characterized biospecimens and clinical data to enhance translational research in mesothelioma.
Conclusion
The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank currently has over 600 annotated cases available for researchers, facilitating access to vital biospecimens while ensuring patient privacy.
Supporting Evidence
- The NMVB provides real-time access to richly annotated specimens.
- The database is designed to protect patient privacy by disclosing only de-identified datasets.
- The resource integrates multimodal data from various hospital systems.
Takeaway
The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank helps scientists study mesothelioma by providing them with important tissue samples and data while keeping patients' identities safe.
Methodology
The resource collects and annotates biospecimens from multiple institutions using a web-based system that adheres to common data standards.
Limitations
The study may be limited by the availability of biospecimens and the need for compliance with local Institutional Review Board regulations.
Participant Demographics
Participants are adults aged 18 and older receiving care for mesothelioma, with no exclusions based on race, ethnicity, or gender.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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