The Cooperative Human Tissue Network - Western Division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is one of six institutions apart of the network funded by the National Cancer Institute to procure and distribute remnant human tissues and fluids to biomedical researchers throughout the United States, Canada and now internationally.
The Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) operates through a shared networking system which allows investigators greater access to available research specimens. The CHTN offers a variety of preparation and preservation techniques to ensure investigators are receiving the quality specimens needed for research. Remnant tissues are obtained from surgical resections and autopsies and are procured to the specifications of the investigator.
History of CHTN
The Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) was formed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1987 and originally consisted of three institutions (The Ohio State University, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and The University of Pennsylvania, which included a subcontract with the Children's Cancer Group (CCG)). In 1991, the Pediatric Division (now Nationwide Children's Hospital) became an independent division and an additional adult collection center was added to the CHTN. The University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University Medical Center joined the network in 2001. Since 2001, the network has consisted of six total institutions with extensive experience in providing human tissues for research.
CHTN Welcomes DUKE University as the newest member of the CHTN, replacing UAB as the Southern Division of CHTN!
Ms. Kiley Wease Radin was hired in 2019 to act as the CHTN Central Coordinator.