The Protocol Support Laboratory (PSL) was formed in 1999 to centralize the management of the collection, documentation, processing, storage and shipping of patient samples collected as outlined in the context of clinical trials and research studies in medical oncology, surgery, basic science, prevention, and radiation. The PSL works closely with the Office of Clinical Research. The laboratory staff includes five American Society for Clinical Pathology-certified Medical Laboratory technicians/technologists and a Histology Technician. This established resource provides an efficient mechanism for the uniform handling of laboratory specimens for research purposes, for both pharmaceutical and investigator initiated trials led by Fox Chase investigators. The PSL works closely with pathology departments both at FCCC and outside the center to acquire the needed tissue specimens required for eligibility testing for the clinical trials incorporating specific targeting agents. The number of specimens handled has continued to increase through 2023 to approximately 10,000 specimens annually.
The laboratory has served as a reference laboratory for selected clinical trials in this capacity. Leadership from the lab attend site initiation visits, and provide clarification for questions related to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic sample procurement and associated processes. The PSL is also actively involved in the feasibility committee review process.
Dr. Philip Abbosh's role as PSL Director is to assist investigators who are developing clinical protocols in the execution of correlative studies such as biomarkers, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic endpoints; and immunological outcomes.
Nicole A. Rhoden (Manager)
Phone: 215-214-1634
Email: [email protected]