About Aids and cancer specimen resource
The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR) is a unique resource for researchers and investigators working in the fields of HIV, cancer, virology, immunology, pathology, epidemiology, tumor biology assay development and many others. The ACSR is a biorepository that provides high-quality human biospecimens from a wide spectrum of HIV-related or associated diseases including cancer. The specimens are collected from appropriate HIV-negative controls as well.
The ACSR was established in 1987 by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to provide researchers with access to high-quality human biospecimens for their research studies. Since then, it has become one of the largest repositories of its kind in the world with over 100 contributing institutions across North America.
The ACSR collects and stores various types of specimens such as blood products (serum/plasma), tissue samples (fresh/frozen), urine samples and other bodily fluids from individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS-related illnesses including cancer. These specimens are collected under strict ethical guidelines ensuring that all donors have given informed consent for their use in research studies.
One of the key features that sets ACSR apart from other biorepositories is its commitment to providing researchers with comprehensive clinical data associated with each specimen. This includes information on patient demographics, medical history, treatment history and laboratory results which can be used to correlate clinical outcomes with molecular data obtained from these specimens.
The ACSR also offers a range of services such as specimen processing and distribution to qualified investigators worldwide. It also provides training programs for researchers on how to properly handle biospecimens ensuring that they maintain their integrity throughout the research process.
In addition to providing access to high-quality biospecimens and associated clinical data, the ACSR also supports research projects through collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners. It has played an important role in advancing our understanding of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses including cancer by facilitating groundbreaking research studies across the globe.
In conclusion, the AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR) is a valuable resource for researchers and investigators working in the fields of HIV, cancer, virology, immunology, pathology, epidemiology and tumor biology assay development. Its commitment to providing high-quality biospecimens along with comprehensive clinical data has made it one of the largest repositories of its kind in the world. The ACSR's dedication to advancing research through collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners has played an important role in improving our understanding of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses including cancer.