Email Invitation for the Stakeholder Satisfaction with the National Cancer Institute’s Mouse Models of Human Cancers Consortium

Attachment 2: Email Invitation for the Stakeholder Satisfaction with the National Cancer Institute’s Mouse Models of Human Cancers Consortium (NCI-MMHCC) Services and Products

Dear Colleagues,

Mouse and human-in-mouse models are employed in basic, translational, clinical, population, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology research. The quality of the research using mouse models depends on the reliability of the data that are generated from the animals, the appropriate selection of models used, and guidance on best practices that ensure robust experimentation in mouse models. As research using mouse models has expanded, concerns have been raised about the reliability and robustness of the models, and about how well the resulting experimental data inform research that is designed to benefit patients directly.

To address these issues, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Mouse Models of Human Cancers Consortium (NCI-MMHCC) began four years ago to explore the variety of ways that mouse and human-in-mouse models are used in all facets of cancer research. For example, the NCI-MMHCC launched an international project on standard practices and operating procedures to help guide those in the cancer research community who are new to using mouse models or who are experienced modelers attempting to use their models for a different application. This project resulted in the publication of a methods book to guide translational applications http://cshprotocols.cshlp.org/content/2013/11/pdb.top078774.long). The NCI-MMHCC requires an assessment of the academic and private sector cancer research community to identify important research resource, training, and collaborative opportunities for mouse and human-in-mouse models of human cancer.

You have been identified as a key stakeholder who can provide important insights to inform how to improve and promote the use of mouse models and continue the evolution of standard practices for use of mouse models in the fields of basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research in academia, as well as private sector research. We would appreciate your participation in this stakeholder satisfaction interview. If you agree to participate, we will contact you by email to schedule a time for a 30-minute telephone interview.

Your input will be very important to the cancer research community, as your responses will be used to determine the most important research questions to address using translational mouse models; emerging opportunities or persistent challenges related to mouse model research; and collaborative opportunities designed to leverage other relevant efforts at governmental, academic, nonprofit, or private sector institutions.

If you do not believe that you can participate in this important survey, please let us know, and please consider providing the name of an appropriate individual within your organization who might be willing to contribute.

Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtfulness.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Marks, Ph.D.