Tissue Procurement Core

PSM-MCC Tissue Procurement Core

The purpose of a Tissue Procurement Core (TPC) is to facilitate the collection, processing, and storage of well-annotated human biospecimens for use in investigator-initiated translational cancer research. Establishing a TPC at PSM is essential for the optimal collection, processing and distribution of samples needed for scientific collaborations between both institutions. Through the U56-funded PSM-MCC Partnership, a solid infrastructure was put in place to develop the first tumor tissue bank in Puerto Rico, capable of the optimal collection, processing, and distribution of biological materials derived from the island's Hispanic population. Through this unique and invaluable resource, cancer tissues are already available to support studies on the biological determinants of cancer health disparities involving Puerto Rican Hispanics living in PR and Hispanics living in Florida. This resource will enhance the capacities of both institutions to conduct research that focuses on the molecular aspects of cancers specific to these populations.