The goal of the Specimen Resources and Pathology Core (SPRC) is to provide superior technical expertiseto the investigators on this proposal. Experienced head and neck pathologists and cytopathologists will workclosely with each SPORE project as well as the Biostatistics and Administrative Cores to ensure efficient andhighly-coordinated procurement, archiving, and storage of human tissue samples. Continuouscommunication between the clinicians, scientists, research nurses, biostatisticians, and pathologists togetherwith established standardized operating procedures for all core activities will provide optimal tissue collectionand accurate processing, analysis, and storage of each sample. The SRPC will function as the mainrepository of patient specimens and will oversee specimen processing and histopathology. This Core willutilize and expand the already well-established tissue banking efforts at Emory University for translationalresearch. Histopathologic analysis by the Core pathologists will confirm the quality and presence of theexpected study tissue in research specimens. Selected cellular biomarkers will be explored usingimmunohistochemistry. These immunostains will be interpreted by core pathologists. Cytology specimenswill be generated, and cytopathologic support in processing and interpreting the specimens will be provided.In addition, animal study specimen processing, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and pathologicinterpretive support will be provided.Taken together, the primary objectives of the Specimen Resources and Pathology Core are to:1) Facilitate the acquisition, preservation, analysis, and dispersal of clinical samples2) Provide accurate histopathological and cytological characterization of head and neck tissues for all projectinvestigators, thus providing uniform quality assurance3) Identify oral dyplasia biopsy specimens in the Oral, Head and Neck Biopsy service4) Offer reliable centralized laboratory services to the SPORE investigators with respect to tissue samplesthat include histochemistry, immunohistochemical staining, in-situ hybridization, and laser capturemicrodissectionBy assisting the researchers in these translational projects, we hope to advance the understanding of howoral cancer develops and aid in the development of treatment and preventive stategies for oral cancer.
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