Advancing HIV and Cancer Research: Implementing an AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource in Latin America.

Abstract

The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR) has developed a global biorepository network to support research on AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining cancers. This article details the establishment of a dedicated HIV-associated cancer biorepository in São Paulo, Brazil, a region with a high burden of these malignancies. The repository addresses the need for high-quality, well-annotated biospecimens from Latin American (LATAM) populations to support research on cancer pathogenesis in people with HIV (PWH), viral reservoirs, and clinical outcomes. It systematically collects and links biospecimens with demographic and clinical data, providing a resource for investigators. Developed with international ethics, community engagement, and regulatory standards, the biorepository is modeled after similar efforts in low- and middle-income countries. This article outlines its implementation, including sample acquisition, infrastructure, inventory management, data governance, and research collaboration. By expanding access to biospecimens, the ACSR supports research that can improve outcomes for PWH and cancer, while strengthening research capacity in the LATAM region.