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Access to PLCO Data and Biospecimens

There are several types of PLCO projects. Please read the descriptions below and click the button next to the type you want.

Data-Only Project

PLCO data is available to the general scientific community. Click on this button to begin a project for PLCO data (no biospecimens).

Expected time for a new project to have data delivered: 1-4 weeks

View Instructions (PDF - 181 KB)

Begin Data-Only Project
(No Images or Biospecimens)

Images Project

PLCO images and corresponding data are available to the scientific community. Click on this button to begin a project for PLCO images (no biospecimens).

Requests for images are fulfilled via requestor-provided hard drive. The requestor must bear the expense of the hard drive and all related shipping expenses, including prepaid return shipping. Signature requirement and acknowledgement of physical possession are required in a timely manner.

Expected time for a new project to have data delivered: 1-4 weeks

View Instructions (PDF - 181 KB)

Begin Images Project
(No Biospecimens)

EEMS Application for Biospecimens

Etiologic and Early Marker Studies (EEMS) is the NCI program by which access to biospecimens is granted. The first step in the approval process is the Preliminary Application. Click on this button if you would like to begin an EEMS Preliminary Application for PLCO biospecimens.

Expected time for a new project to determine review outcome: 4-6 months from the preliminary application deadline1
1 Delivery of materials occurs afterward and will require additional time.

New EEMS Preliminary Applications may be submitted from:
Aug. 22, 2019 until Feb. 17, 2020, 11:59 PM, US Eastern time

View Instructions (PDF - 135 KB)

View Policies and Procedures (PDF - 208 KB)

View Current Review Panel Members (PDF - 97 KB)

Begin an EEMS Application for Biospecimens

PAR Request Form for Specimen Verification

The NCI has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Utilizing the PLCO Biospecimens Resource to Bridge Gaps in Cancer Etiology and Early Detection Research (PAR-18-913), for soliciting grant applications to utilize the PLCO Biorepository. Click on this button to initiate a Request Form for Specimen Verification, to confirm availability of biospecimens.

Expected time for a new project to determine if biospecimens are available: 3 weeks12
1 Grant processing occurs afterward and will require additional time.
2 Delivery of materials occurs afterward and will require additional time.

View Instructions (PDF - 108 KB)

View Policies and Procedures (PDF - 208 KB)

New PAR Request Forms for Specimen Verification are not currently being accepted.