Information regarding the RTOG Translational Research Program.

RTOG Biospecimen Resource
Effective immediately: The Biospecimen Resource no longer requires that the signed informed consent accompany the specimens. However, consent information must be checked off by the submitting institution on the Specimen Transmittal form for each case submitted.

RTOG has been funded to maintain a fixed tissue repository. Effective immediately, all slides and blocks for RTOG-coordinated studies must be sent to:

All materials must be accompanied by the corresponding pathology reports and RTOG Specimen Transmittal Form. Materials for non-RTOG coordinated studies will be sent to the locations specified by those protocols. All applicable RTOG studies will be amended individually; however until completed, this memo and its attachments Letter to Pathologists from Dr Waldman about Tissue Banking Activities will serve as overall notification.

Please destroy all prior versions of the RTOG Pathology Submission Form. The Forms Data Packets will be updated to include the new version.

Additional case credit will no longer be granted for tissue banking. Please keep in mind that the semi annual RTOG Data Quality Reports have always included a pathology category and no submission may affect your overall score. The requests for blocks are part of each protocol and are a necessary component of the study. Reimbursement is available to pay for the block procurement and shipment as part of this new funding. Contact Tom Wudarski at RTOG Headquarters or see letter to local pathologist, which details the process.