The Translational Research Program in Cancer Differences across Populations

Abstract

Background: Cancer incidence and mortality vary substan- data were obtained by medical record review, patient self-report, tially across populations. The Translational Research Program in or linkage to cancer registries. Additional health-related factors Cancer Differences across Populations (TRPCDP) was estab- were assessed using geospatial linkage. lished in 2020 to address differences in cancer incidence and Results: The virtual biorepository includes 7,181 patients mortality rates within the United States, with a particular focus [African American (n ¼ 1,345), Alaska Native (n ¼ 1,640), on colorectal cancer. Hispanic (n ¼ 1,659), and non-Hispanic White (n ¼ 2,537)]. Methods: The TRPCDP centralized data acquisition and har- Tissue blocks (1,594 tumor and 728 normal colon samples) were monization across three sites in the United States to create a well- selected for 938 patients. To date, DNA and RNA have been annotated resource of colorectal cancer tumors across four extracted (n ¼ 831), and tissue microarrays have been con-populations: African American/Black, Alaska Native, Hispanic/ structed (n ¼ 414). Transcriptomic analysis, spatial tumor Latino/Latina, and non-Hispanic White. Using a case–control profiling (multiplex immunofluorescence, PhenoCycler, and framework, patients with lethal colorectal cancer were matched to GeoMx), and microbiome data (16S rRNA sequencing and two controls with nonlethal colorectal cancer. Formalin-fixed, digital droplet PCR) are available. paraffin-embedded tumor and normal tissue were retrieved and Conclusions: The TRPCDP has developed a clinically annosent for centralized pathology review, followed by DNA and RNA tated biorepository for future molecular epidemiology studies. extraction and tissue microarray development. Multiomics and Impact: The TRPCDP is a unique program that supports spatial profiling are underway to evaluate the transcriptome, collaborative research, community engagement, and pipeline proteome, and microbiome. Patient demographic and clinical development for the next generation of scientists.