Canine Comparative Oncology & Genomics Consortium

CCOGC Background

In June of 2004, an informal collaboration of veterinary and medical oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, geneticists, and molecular and cellular biologists emerged at a meeting hosted by the Broad Institute, in Boston, MA. These investigators shared a common interest, the comparative study of canine and human genomics and cancer. With the imminent availability of a high quality canine genome assembly, they sought to leverage opportunities that would result from a better defined understanding of the genetics and biology of cancers in companion animals, to provide a forum for discussion and sharing of resources and reagents, and to guide the development of novel technologies that would allow the study and use of appropriate canine cancers in the global study of cancer biology and therapy. Over the ensuing months this collaboration named itself the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC) and began drafting an agenda and list of priorities. In 2007 the CCOGC incorporated as a Not-For-Profit and obtained 501(c)3 status. The goals of the CCOGC are to facilitate strategic partnerships and collaborations across a diversity of disciplines, focused on the problem of cancer in dogs. Early priorities of the CCOGC include advocacy for the field of Comparative Oncology, the development of a mechanism to share reagents and resources in the community, and the development of a biospecimen repository.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Prospective collections now available

In 2007 sample collection began at three veterinary institutions, with a focus on collecting three histologies of interest in the field of comparative oncology (osteosarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma). In 2008, four additional collection sites were added plus four additional histologies. In accordance with the initial goals of the CCOGC, the prospective collection of tissues is now available. By making use of the existing CCOCG Biorepository infrastructure, investigators can have biospecimens collected to their specifications for unique research needs.

Standard operating procedures for tissue/sample collection have been established to maximize consistency and are subject to annual review. Informed owner consent and IACUC approval has been obtained prior to collection and samples are de-identified at the collecting site. The biospecimen repository has SOPs in place for the following sample types: tumor tissue, normal tissues, serum, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations, genomic DNA, RNA and urine samples. The repository follows many aspects of the organization and structure of the proposed National Biospecimen Network Blueprint1. A sample shipping and collection database (Tissue Tracker) is used for real time connection between CCOGC collection sites and the central physical bank housed in Frederick, MD. Patient clinical information is contemporarily collected and logged as part of the biorepository effort. Collection protocols and SOPs can be modified for prospective collection.

The prospective collection process proceeds as follows:

- Brief on line application        
- Follow up contact by CCOGC to refine your request
- Assessment of network availability, budget, SOP finalization
- Contract process
- Collection begins

From September 1st 2011 you may click here to be directed to a secure site for prospective collection proposals.

Information about this process can be obtained online beginning September 1, 2011 at www.ccogc.net or by contacting administration@ccogc.net