Special communication. The Cooperative Human Tissue Network.

This report is to make the general scientific community aware of availability of human tissues through this network. During the short period of its existence, this network has developed useful procedures for distributing human tumor tissue in a rapid, scientifically useful, cost-effective manner to investigators to whom this tissue would not otherwise be available. The growth in the number of specimens being distributed matches the previous experience of each of the member institutions in internal distribution activities. It is expected that the availability of tissue will lead to new research initiatives and grant applications. This Network has been established as a model which can in the future be expanded to meet the needs of the scientific community at large. The National Cancer Institute encourages investigators engaging in cancer research who have need of human tissues to submit their requests to the Cooperative Human Tissue Network.