Are there resources for biospecimen managers who are interested in implementing the NCI Best Practices?
NCI cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG ) software tools, such as caTissue Core and cancer Text Information Extraction System, or caTIES, are designed to support biospecimen resources in managing specimens in a manner recommended by the NCI Best Practices. The NCI is currently developing self-evaluation tools that will help biorepository managers identify resource strengths and weaknesses. In addition, more concrete guidance on custodianship, including considerations for research participants, investigators, and institutions; financial conflicts of interest; intellectual property; and access to products and benefits is being developed based on a 2007 custodianship symposium-workshop. In June 2007, the NCI initiated an education and outreach program targeted at investigators, biospecimen resource managers, industry representatives, hospital administrators, patient advocates, and the general public. Four forums were held in key U.S. cities to provide information about the importanc
