Tissue Repository Collection Protocol

The VCRC Tissue Repository collects biopsy material (slides and actual biopsy material) from patients who have had biopsies done in the evaluation of their vasculitis.

NO. There are no medications involved with this study.

Tissues from patients with vasculitis to create an invaluable resource for researchers to study the causes and biology of vasculitis. The VCRC Tissue Repository, located at the University of Pennsylvania, is a unique resource available to investigators world-wide. Through the collection of already existing tissue specimens from subjects, we hope to establish a collection of tissue specimens from patients with various forms of vasculitis, with linked clinical data for future use in clinical and translational (findings from basic science) research projects.

1. Patients must first have a diagnosis of the following types of vasculitis:

   • Giant cell arteritis (GCA)

   • Takayasu’s arteritis

   • Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)

   • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA // Wegener’s)

   • Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)

   • Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA // Churg-Strauss)

   • Aortitis

   • Cutaneous vasculitis

2. Patients must also be enrolled in one of the following studies:

   • One-Time DNA study

   • Longitudinal Protocol for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA // Churg-Strauss)

   • LoDoNaVasc

   • ABROGATE

   • ARAMIS

   • CUTIS

The study consist of a one time visit.

During the research study we will collect and store information from your medical records. We will ask you to sign documentation that allows the study team to request your tissue samples. You will only be seen once for this research study. In addition to collecting your leftover biopsy tissue, we will collect and store information about your disease for future genetic testing. Your DNA may be extracted from your tissue. DNA is in each cell in your body. It has the instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms.

You will not undergo any additional biopsies for this research study. This study will collect biopsy tissue from your past biopsy procedures. We will also ask to receive a specimen for research purposes when a standard of care procedure is conducted in the future. Future studies may include genetic testing which could include markers, gene expression, and other genetic testing. We ask your permission to let us collect and store any clinical information related to your biopsy that has been or will be obtained by the vasculitis centers or by any of your personal doctors. This information will be stored and used by the study doctors and research team.

For research purposes only, we will collect the following:

• Name
• Medical record number
• Date of birth
• Phone number
• Past biopsy material
• Slides made from your prior biopsies. We plan to review these same slides, make electronic copies, and return the slides back to the hospital or center that sent them.
• If a biopsy is completed in the future, we will collect tissue if there is anything left.
• Clinical Data/Medical Record (which includes biopsy report and findings)
• Medical release form (permission to collect biopsy tissue)

Thank you for your interest! If you wish to learn more and sign up for the study, please contact:

KATHRYN LOGUE
rheumatologyresearch@uphs.upenn.edu
215-614-4417