|
Early Detection Research Network- Function as one of 9 clinical epidemiology centers (CEC). The Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) is an infrastructure funded through the National Cancer Institute for supporting collaborative research on molecular, genetic and other biomarkers in early cancer detection and risk assessment. The EDRN model is comprised of 3 major units: 18 biomarker development laboratories (BDL), 3 biomarker validation laboratories (BVL), and 9 clinical epidemiology centers (CEC). The primary goal of the EDRN consortium is to provide collaborative research opportunities between EDRN sites and EDRN associate members.
Odyssey Cohort-Funded by the National Institute on Aging. The study cohort is composed of 8,394 Washington County residents who participated in two specimen banks: CLUE I established in 1974 and CLUE II established in 1989. The cohort has been followed prospectively since 1974. Genetic polymorphisms have been determined using DNA extracted from buffy coat specimens obtained from cohort participants in 1989 and stored at –70 C. This study is one of the largest prospective population-based cohort studies to investigate the effects of the interaction of genes and environmental exposure on cancer specifically, and health and aging in general.
Specialized Programs in Research Excellence (SPORE): Molecular Epidemiology of Progression to Breast cancer-The purpose of the study is to examine molecular factors potentially affecting the initiation and progression to breast cancer. Factors to be considered are genetic polymorphisms in genes coding for metabolic enzymes, antioxidant defense systems, and DNA repair processes and levels of circulating components of the insulin growth factor (IGF) axis.
Survey of the Health Status of Residents of Washington County,
Maryland-Data will be collected using a self-administered mailed questionnaire that will be analyzed to assess the health needs of the residents of Washington County. Research findings will be used by the Washington County Health Department in collaboration with the Board of Health and the Healthy Communities 2010 Committee to develop both short and long term health objectives.
| 
