Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research

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Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research (OBBR) is a division within the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. The OBBR is dedicated to improving the management of biorepositories and the quality of biospecimens used in cancer research. By developing and promoting best practices and standards, the OBBR aims to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of biomedical research, which is crucial for advancing cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the OBBR is to support the cancer research community by ensuring that high-quality biospecimens are available for research. This involves the development of policies, guidelines, and standards for biospecimen and biorepository science. The objectives of the OBBR include:

• Enhancing the quality of biospecimens used in cancer research.
• Promoting the adoption of best practices in biorepository and biospecimen science.
• Supporting the development of innovative technologies and methods for biospecimen processing and analysis.
• Facilitating the sharing of biospecimens and data among researchers to advance cancer research.

Key Initiatives

The OBBR undertakes several key initiatives to achieve its mission:

• Biospecimen Research Network (BRN): A program designed to address the complex issues surrounding biospecimen science and to develop new technologies and methods that improve biospecimen collection, preservation, and analysis.
• Biorepository Accreditation Program: A voluntary program that establishes standards for biorepositories and provides accreditation to those that meet these standards, ensuring the quality and reliability of biospecimens.
• Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources: Comprehensive guidelines developed by the OBBR to standardize the collection, storage, retrieval, and distribution of high-quality biospecimens.

Challenges and Solutions

The field of biospecimen research faces several challenges, including variability in biospecimen quality, lack of standardized procedures, and ethical and legal issues related to biospecimen collection and use. The OBBR addresses these challenges by:

• Developing standardized protocols and best practices to minimize variability and improve biospecimen quality.
• Providing education and training resources for biorepository managers and researchers.
• Engaging with ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) experts to ensure that biospecimen research adheres to the highest ethical standards.

Impact on Cancer Research

The work of the OBBR has a significant impact on cancer research by improving the quality of biospecimens, which are critical for the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and preventive strategies. High-quality biospecimens allow researchers to better understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer, identify biomarkers for early detection, and develop personalized medicine approaches.

See Also

• Biobank
• Biomarker (medicine)
• Personalized medicine
• National Cancer Institute
• National Institutes of Health