Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research

Office within the National Cancer Institute

Logo of the Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research

The 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 advancing the field of biospecimen science and improving the quality and accessibility of biospecimens for cancer research.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the OBBR is to support and enhance the collection, storage, and distribution of high-quality biospecimens. This is crucial for the advancement of biomedical research, particularly in the field of cancer. The OBBR aims to:

• Develop and implement best practices for biospecimen collection and management.
• Facilitate the sharing of biospecimens among researchers.
• Promote the ethical and legal standards in biospecimen research.
• Support the development of new technologies and methodologies in biospecimen science.

Key Initiatives

The OBBR undertakes several key initiatives to fulfill its mission:

Biospecimen Research Network (BRN)

The Biospecimen Research Network is an initiative that focuses on the scientific study of biospecimens. It aims to understand how different collection, processing, and storage methods affect the quality and utility of biospecimens in research.

NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources

The OBBR has developed the NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources, which provides guidelines for the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of biospecimens. These best practices are intended to ensure the quality and consistency of biospecimens used in research.

Biospecimen Pre-analytical Variables (BPV) Program

The Biospecimen Pre-analytical Variables Program is a research initiative that studies the impact of pre-analytical variables on biospecimen quality. This program aims to identify and mitigate factors that can affect the integrity of biospecimens before analysis.

Collaborations and Partnerships

The OBBR collaborates with various national and international organizations to promote biospecimen research and improve standards. These collaborations include partnerships with other NIH institutes, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders.

Impact on Cancer Research

The work of the OBBR has a significant impact on cancer research by ensuring that researchers have access to high-quality biospecimens. This access is critical for the development of new diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive strategies for cancer.

Related Pages

• National Cancer Institute
• National Institutes of Health
• Biospecimen
• Cancer research