The Cooperative Human Tissue Network of the National Cancer Institute: Supporting Cancer Research for 35 Years

The Cooperative Human Tissue Network was created by the NCI in 1987 to support a coordinated national effort to collect and distribute high quality, pathologist-validated human tissues for cancer research. Since then, the network has expanded to provide different types of tissue samples, blood and body fluid samples, immunohistologic and molecular sample preparations, tissue microarrays, and clinical datasets inclusive of biomarkers and molecular testing. From inception through the end of 2021, the network has distributed 1,375,041 biospecimens. It served 889 active investigators in 2021. The network has also taken steps to begin to optimize the representation of diverse communities among the distributed biospecimens. In this article, the authors review the 35-year history of this network, describe changes to the program over the last 15 years, and provide operational and scientific highlights from each of the divisions. Readers will learn how to engage with the network and about the continued evolution of the program for the future.

Automated summary

The Cooperative Human Tissue Network, established in 1987, supports a coordinated national effort in cancer research by collecting and distributing high quality human tissues. The network has expanded its offerings to include various types of tissue samples, blood and body fluid samples, as well as clinical datasets. Over 1,375,041 biospecimens have been distributed through the network, serving 889 active investigators in 2021. This article reviews the network's 35-year history, highlights changes in the program over the past 15 years, and provides insights into its operations and scientific achievements.