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de Melo-Martín I, Ortega-Paíno E. Biobanking Legislation in Spain: Advancing or Undermining Its Ethical Values? Biopreserv Biobank 2024; 22:242-247. [PMID: 38237124 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2023.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Biobanks are important resources for improving public health and individual care. Some legal frameworks can be more or less conducive to advancing the potential benefits of biobanks. The purpose of this article is to assess biobanking legislation and practices in Spain to determine how well they fare in such a regard. We focus here on some of the primary ethical values that ground relevant legislation and that we believe are consistent with promoting biobanking benefits: the value of scientific research; efficient use of scarce resources; and respect for the dignity of donors. We argue that although Spanish regulations advance these values in important ways, they also have provisions that undermine them and thus risk limiting the potential benefits of biobanks. We offer some suggestions for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada de Melo-Martín
- Division of Medical Ethics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eva Ortega-Paíno
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Biobanco, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Van Veen EB, Boeckhout M, Schlünder I, Boiten JW, Dias V. Joint controllers in large research consortia: a funnel model to distinguish controllers in the sense of the GDPR from other partners in the consortium. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2024; 2:80. [PMID: 37767227 PMCID: PMC10521071 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.14825.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Large European research consortia in the health sciences face challenges regarding the governance of personal data collected, generated and/or shared during their collective research. A controller in the sense of the GDPR is the entity which decides about purposes and means of the data processing. Case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and Guidelines of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) indicate that all partners in the consortium would be joint controllers. This paper summarises the case law, the Guidelines and literature on joint controllership, gives a brief account of a webinar organised on the issue by Lygature and the MLC Foundation. Participants at the webinar agreed in large majority that it would be extreme if all partners in the consortium would become joint controllers. There was less agreement how to disentangle partners who are controllers of a study from those who are not. In order to disentangle responsibilities, we propose a funnel model with consecutive steps acting as sieves in the funnel. It differentiates between two types of partners: all partners who are involved in shaping the project as a whole versus those specific partners who are more closely involved in a sub-study following from the DoA or the use of the data Platform. If the role of the partner would be comparable to that of an outside advisor, that partner would not be a data controller even though the partner is part of the consortium. We propose further nuances for the disentanglement which takes place in various steps. Uncertainty about formal controllership under the GDPR can stifle collaboration in consortia due to concerns over (shared) responsibility and liability. Data subjects' ability to exercise their right can also be affected by this. The funnel model proposes a way out of this conundrum.
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Patrinos D, Kleiderman E, Fraser W, Zawati MH. Developing Policy for the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative: Going from National to International. Biopreserv Biobank 2023. [PMID: 37192471 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Scientific research is becoming an increasingly collaborative and global venture. The Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), for instance, is an international Developmental Origins of Health and Disease research collaboration developed to address the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases around the world. It comprises four separate but harmonized cohort trials in Canada, China, India, and South Africa. These cohorts will generate rich data and biosample sets that can be shared both within the HeLTI Consortium and with other researchers from around the world. Methods: To ensure the coordination and operation of these types of collaborative research initiatives, a standardized and harmonized governance model is required to regulate the processes and interactions between all involved actors. To develop the governance models, frameworks and related policies from other longitudinal cohort studies and biobanks were used, as were guidance documents on biobank and database governance and relevant literature on data and biobank governance. Results: This article outlines the key components of the governance model for the HeLTI Consortium, including management of the cohorts' respective databases and biobanks, access to data and biosamples, and considerations related to intellectual property and publications. Conclusion: Governance within international collaborative research ventures is critical to ensure the operations and benefits of these types of research apparatuses. Although this article focuses on the HeLTI Consortium as a model, it may nonetheless serve as a model for both current and future collaborative consortium-based research initiatives. Clinical Trial Registration Numbers: Canada, ISRCTN13308752; China, ChiCTR1800017773; India, ISRCTN20161479; South Africa, PACTR201903750173871.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Patrinos
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Erika Kleiderman
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Fraser
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ma'n H Zawati
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Klingler C, von Jagwitz-Biegnitz M, Baber R, Becker KF, Dahl E, Eibner C, Fuchs J, Groenewold MK, Hartung ML, Hummel M, Jahns R, Kirsten R, Kopfnagel V, Maushagen R, Nussbeck SY, Schoneberg A, Winter T, Specht C. Stakeholder engagement to ensure the sustainability of biobanks: a survey of potential users of biobank services. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:1344-1354. [PMID: 34031552 PMCID: PMC9712417 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00905-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biobanks are important infrastructures facilitating biomedical research. After a decade of rolling out such infrastructures, a shift in attention to the sustainability of biobanks could be observed in recent years. In this regard, an increase in the as yet relatively low utilisation rates of biobanks has been formulated as a goal. Higher utilisation rates can only be achieved if the perspectives of potential users of biobanks-particularly researchers not yet collaborating with biobanks-are adequately considered. To better understand their perspectives, a survey was conducted at ten different research institutions in Germany hosting a centralised biobank. The survey targeted potential users of biobank services, i.e. researchers working with biosamples. It addressed the general demand for biosamples, strategies for biosample acquisition/storage and reasons for/against collaborating with biobanks. In total, 354 researchers filled out the survey. Most interestingly, only a minority of researchers (12%) acquired their biosamples via biobanks. Of the respondents not collaborating with biobanks on sample acquisition, around half were not aware of the (services of the) respective local biobank. Those who actively decided against acquiring biosamples via a biobank provided different reasons. Most commonly, respondents stated that the biosamples required were not available, the costs were too high and information about the available biosamples was not readily accessible. Biobanks can draw many lessons from the results of the survey. Particularly, external communication and outreach should be improved. Additionally, biobanks might have to reassess whether their particular collection strategies are adequately aligned with local researchers' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Klingler
- German Biobank Node, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Ronny Baber
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Leipzig Medical Biobank, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karl-Friedrich Becker
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Gewebebank des Klinikums rechts der Isar und der Technischen Universität München, Am Institut für Pathologie der TU München, Trogerstr. 18, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Edgar Dahl
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XRWTH centralized Biomaterial Bank (RWTH cBMB), Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Eibner
- grid.275559.90000 0000 8517 6224Integrated Biobank Jena (IBBJ), Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Fuchs
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Würzburg (ibdw), University Hospital of Würzburg, Straubmühlweg 2a, building A8/A9, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maike K. Groenewold
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology/Core Facility Biobank, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Mara Lena Hartung
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662German Biobank Node, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Hummel
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662German Biobank Node, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Central Biobank Charité (ZeBanC), Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Jahns
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Würzburg (ibdw), University Hospital of Würzburg, Straubmühlweg 2a, building A8/A9, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Romy Kirsten
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908NCT Liquid Biobank, National Center for Tumor Diseases and BioMaterialBank Heidelberg (BMBH), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Kopfnagel
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Hannover Unified Biobank, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Regina Maushagen
- grid.4562.50000 0001 0057 2672Interdisciplinary Center for Biobanking-Lübeck (ICB-L), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sara Yasemin Nussbeck
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Central Biobank UMG, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anne Schoneberg
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Central Biobank UMG, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Theresa Winter
- grid.5603.0Integrated Research Biobank Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Cornelia Specht
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662German Biobank Node, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Chandrashekar C, Shetty SS, Radhakrishnan R. Evolution of biobanks and ethical governance for the emerging applications in biomedical research. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2022; 26:433-439. [PMID: 37082047 PMCID: PMC10112073 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_478_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment of a biobank and effective utilization of the biological resources comes with lot of challenges which require operating processes and effective governance structure with public awareness. As biobank is an evolving field of data driven health-care research, guided strategies in line with the national and international statutory body regulations is important. A trustworthy governance is paramount in developing a sustainable way of establishing, maintaining and successful functioning of a biobank. This paper highlights the structure of biobank governance, challenges and processes of effective integration of governance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetana Chandrashekar
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Smitha S. Shetty
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Abstract
The past few decades have seen rapid increases in the size and scope of biobanks, with large-scale publicly funded ventures supporting health-related research becoming the norm. As these biobanks are increasingly asked to share their data, including for example, genome-wide analyses, questions arise about how such decisions are made, including whether applicants' research aligns with the aims of the biobank. To better understand how biobanks make decisions relating to their data use, we sought the views and experiences of those involved in decision-making relating to data access at 11 large-scale publicly funded health biobanks. We were particularly interested in how potentially contentious applications were approached. Interviewees had some concerns about decisions on applications they felt their governance structures could not reach. We ask broader questions about the responsibility of those involved in biobank access decisions-those working early in the research process-when considering such issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Samuel
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anneke Lucassen
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Ethics, Law and Society (CELS) Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Iacomussi S, Casareto L, Locatelli M, Wang CM, Borroni S, Mascalzoni D, Sangiorgi L. Governance of Access in Biobanking: The Case of Telethon Network of Genetic Biobanks. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:483-492. [PMID: 34870481 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2021.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The discussion concerning the measure of the quality of a biobank should focus not only on the number of stored samples and their quality but also on the assessment of their access arrangements and governance. This article aims at contributing to the ongoing debate on samples and data access governance in biobanking by presenting the case of the Telethon Network of Genetic Biobanks (TNGB). We attempt to contribute to the need for clear and available access criteria and harmonization in access arrangements to maximize the influence of biobanks in the progress of biomedical research. We reviewed all the sample requests submitted to the TNGB from 2008 to 2020, focusing on those rejected by the Access Committee and the reasons behind the rejections. The analysis of the reasons behind the rejected requests allowed us to analyze how those relate to the issues of scientific misconduct, prioritization, and noncompliance with the biobank's mission. We discuss those issues in light of the actions and motivations used by TNGB in the access decision-making process. Based on this analysis, we suggest that a cross-implementation of a checklist for access assessment would improve the whole access process, ensuring a more transparent and smoother governance. Finally, we conclude that the TNGB's Charter and approach toward access governance could contribute as an important reference point to deal with the issues that have emerged in the international discussion on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorena Casareto
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Locatelli
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Simona Borroni
- Gruppo Famiglie Dravet Associazione Onlus, Milano, Italy
| | - Deborah Mascalzoni
- Istituto di Biomedicina, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.,Centro di Biomedicina, Department of Public Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Luca Sangiorgi
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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8
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Pierson L, Gibert S, Berkman B, Danis M, Millum J. Allocation of scarce biospecimens for use in research. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 47:740-743. [PMID: 32220871 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of millions of rare biospecimens are stored in laboratories and biobanks around the world. Often, the researchers who possess these specimens do not plan to use them, while other researchers limit the scope of their work because they cannot acquire biospecimens that meet their needs. This situation raises an important and underexplored question: how should scientists allocate biospecimens that they do not intend to use? We argue that allocators should aim to maximise the social value of the research enterprise when allocating scarce biospecimens. We provide an ethical framework for assessing the social value of proposed research projects and describe how the framework could be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Pierson
- MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sophia Gibert
- PhD Program in Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin Berkman
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marion Danis
- Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Millum
- Clinical Center Department of Bioethics/Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Knowledge, perceptions and attitude of Egyptian physicians towards biobanking issues. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248401. [PMID: 33770108 PMCID: PMC7996976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Collection and storage of biospecimens and data for biobanking raise many ethical concerns. Stakeholders’ opinions about these ethical issues are important since they can help in the development of ethical guidelines to govern biobanking activities. Physicians are among the important stakeholders since they contact potential participants and could be biobank users. The goal of this study is to evaluate the perceptions and attitude of Egyptian physicians towards ethical issues in biobanking. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was designed and distributed with the target group between November 2019 and January 2020. Results The questionnaire was completed by 223 physicians. While 65.5% reported hearing the term "Biobanking" before, 45.7% knew that there are biobanks in Egypt. Participants had a general positive attitude towards the value of biobanks in research. About 73% agreed that biobanks can share biospecimens with international research organizations, but only 42.6% supported collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, and 44% agreed to the use of user fees by biobanks. About 48% supported the use of broad consent in biobanks, and 73.1% believed that donors of biospecimens should be informed about results of research performed on their biospecimens. Conclusion Although many Egyptian physicians heard about biobanking, they had limited knowledge about the existence of biobanks in Egypt. They had concerns about commercialization, use of broad consent and user fees. A knowledge gap exists among these stakeholders, which should be covered by different educational activities. Community discussions should start to reach consensus about the issues of commercialization and return of research results.
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Almeida JR, Pratas D, Oliveira JL. A semi-automatic methodology for analysing distributed and private biobanks. Comput Biol Med 2020; 130:104180. [PMID: 33360272 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Privacy issues limit the analysis and cross-exploration of most distributed and private biobanks, often raised by the multiple dimensionality and sensitivity of the data associated with access restrictions and policies. These characteristics prevent collaboration between entities, constituting a barrier to emergent personalized and public health challenges, namely the discovery of new druggable targets, identification of disease-causing genetic variants, or the study of rare diseases. In this paper, we propose a semi-automatic methodology for the analysis of distributed and private biobanks. The strategies involved in the proposed methodology efficiently enable the creation and execution of unified genomic studies using distributed repositories, without compromising the information present in the datasets. We apply the methodology to a case study in the current Covid-19, ensuring the combination of the diagnostics from multiple entities while maintaining privacy through a completely identical procedure. Moreover, we show that the methodology follows a simple, intuitive, and practical scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Rafael Almeida
- DETI/IEETA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Computation, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Diogo Pratas
- DETI/IEETA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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11
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Ethical publication of research on genetics and genomics of biological material: guidelines and recommendations. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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12
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Richter G, Borzikowsky C, Lesch W, Semler SC, Bunnik EM, Buyx A, Krawczak M. Secondary research use of personal medical data: attitudes from patient and population surveys in The Netherlands and Germany. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 29:495-502. [PMID: 33005018 PMCID: PMC7940390 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00735-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Making routine clinical-care-data available for medical research requires adequate consent to legitimize use and exchange. While, public interest in supporting medical research is increasing, individuals often find it difficult to actively enable researchers to access their data. In addition to broad consent, the idea of (consent-free) data donation has been brought into play as another way to legitimize secondary research use of medial data. However, flanking the implementation of broad consent policies or data donation, the attitude of patients, and the general public toward different aspects of these approaches needs to be assessed. We conducted two empirical studies to this end among Dutch patients (n = 7430) and representative German citizens (n = 1006). Wide acceptance of broad consent was observed among Dutch patients (92.3%), corroborating previous findings among German patients (93.0%). Moreover, 28.8% of the Dutch patients generally approved secondary data-use for non-academic research, 42.3% would make their decision dependent upon the type of institution in question. In the German survey addressing the general population, 78.8% approved data donation without explicit consent as an alternative model of legitimization, the majority of those who approved (96.7%) would allow donated data to be used by universities and public research institutions. This willingness to support contrasted sharply with the fact that only 16.6% would allow access to the data by industry. Our findings thus not only add empirical evidence to the debate about broad consent and data donation, but also suggest that widespread public discussion and education about the role of industry in medical research is necessary in that context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesine Richter
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Division of Biomedical Ethics, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christoph Borzikowsky
- Institute of Medical Informatics und Statistics, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Wiebke Lesch
- Technologies, Methods and Infrastructure for Networked Medical Research (TMF e.V.), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian C Semler
- Technologies, Methods and Infrastructure for Networked Medical Research (TMF e.V.), Berlin, Germany
| | - Eline M Bunnik
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Krawczak
- Institute of Medical Informatics und Statistics, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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13
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Ethical publication of research on genetics and genomics of biological material: guidelines and recommendations. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 48:102299. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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14
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Pavlenko E, Strech D, Langhof H. Implementation of data access and use procedures in clinical data warehouses. A systematic review of literature and publicly available policies. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:157. [PMID: 32652989 PMCID: PMC7353743 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The promises of improved health care and health research through data-intensive applications rely on a growing amount of health data. At the core of large-scale data integration efforts, clinical data warehouses (CDW) are also responsible for data governance, managing data access and (re)use. As the complexity of the data flow increases, greater transparency and standardization of criteria and procedures are required in order to maintain objective oversight and control. Therefore, the development of practice oriented and evidence-based policies is crucial. This study assessed the spectrum of data access and use criteria and procedures in clinical data warehouses governance internationally. METHODS We performed a systematic review of (a) the published scientific literature on CDW and (b) publicly available information on CDW data access, e.g., data access policies. A qualitative thematic analysis was applied to all included literature and policies. RESULTS Twenty-three scientific publications and one policy document were included in the final analysis. The qualitative analysis led to a final set of three main thematic categories: (1) requirements, including recipient requirements, reuse requirements, and formal requirements; (2) structures and processes, including review bodies and review values; and (3) access, including access limitations. CONCLUSIONS The description of data access and use governance in the scientific literature is characterized by a high level of heterogeneity and ambiguity. In practice, this might limit the effective data sharing needed to fulfil the high expectations of data-intensive approaches in medical research and health care. The lack of publicly available information on access policies conflicts with ethical requirements linked to principles of transparency and accountability. CDW should publicly disclose by whom and under which conditions data can be accessed, and provide designated governance structures and policies to increase transparency on data access. The results of this review may contribute to the development of practice-oriented minimal standards for the governance of data access, which could also result in a stronger harmonization, efficiency, and effectiveness of CDW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pavlenko
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- QUEST - Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Strech
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- QUEST - Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger Langhof
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
- QUEST - Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Charité - University Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.
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15
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Osman I, Cotzia P, Moran U, Donnelly D, Arguelles-Grande C, Mendoza S, Moreira A. The urgency of utilizing COVID-19 biospecimens for research in the heart of the global pandemic. J Transl Med 2020; 18:219. [PMID: 32487093 PMCID: PMC7266426 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and consequent social distancing practices have disrupted essential clinical research functions worldwide. Ironically, this coincides with an immediate need for research to comprehend the biology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the pathology of COVID-19. As the global crisis has already led to over 15,000 deaths out of 175,000 confirmed cases in New York City and Nassau County, NY alone, it is increasingly urgent to collect patient biospecimens linked to active clinical follow up. However, building a COVID-19 biorepository amidst the active pandemic is a complex and delicate task. To help facilitate rapid, robust, and regulated research on this novel virus, we report on the successful model implemented by New York University Langone Health (NYULH) within days of outbreak in the most challenging hot spot of infection globally. Using an amended institutional biobanking protocol, these efforts led to accrual of 11,120 patients presenting for SARS-CoV-2 testing, 4267 (38.4%) of whom tested positive for COVID-19. The recently reported genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in the New York City Region, which is a crucial development in tracing sources of infection and asymptomatic spread of the novel virus, is the first outcome of this effort. While this growing resource actively supports studies of the New York outbreak in real time, a worldwide effort is necessary to build a collective arsenal of research tools to deal with the global crisis now, and to exploit the virus's biology for translational innovation that outlasts humanity's current dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Osman
- The New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Center of Biospecimen Research and Development, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, SML405, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Paolo Cotzia
- The New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Center of Biospecimen Research and Development, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, SML405, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Una Moran
- The New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Center of Biospecimen Research and Development, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, SML405, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Douglas Donnelly
- The New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Center of Biospecimen Research and Development, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, SML405, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Carolina Arguelles-Grande
- The New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Center of Biospecimen Research and Development, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, SML405, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Sandra Mendoza
- The New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Center of Biospecimen Research and Development, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, SML405, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Andre Moreira
- The New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Center of Biospecimen Research and Development, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, SML405, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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16
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Future-proofing biobanks' governance. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 28:989-996. [PMID: 32424324 PMCID: PMC7468350 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-0646-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Good biobank governance implies—at a minimum—transparency and accountability and the implementation of oversight mechanisms. While the biobanking community is in general committed to such principles, little is known about precisely which governance strategies biobanks adopt to meet those objectives. We conducted an exploratory analysis of governance mechanisms adopted by research biobanks, including genetic biobanks, located in Europe and Canada. We reviewed information available on the websites of 69 biobanks, and directly contacted them for additional information. Our study identified six types of commonly adopted governance strategies: communication, compliance, expert advice, external review, internal procedures, and partnerships. Each strategy is implemented through different mechanisms including, independent ethics assessment, informed consent processes, quality management, data access control, legal compliance, standard operating procedures and external certification. Such mechanisms rely on a wide range of bodies, committees and actors from both within and outside the biobanks themselves. We found that most biobanks aim to be transparent about their governance mechanisms, but could do more to provide more complete and detailed information about them. In particular, the retrievable information, while showing efforts to ensure biobanks operate in a legitimate way, does not specify in sufficient detail how governance mechanisms support accountability, nor how they ensure oversight of research operations. This state of affairs can potentially undermine biobanks’ trustworthiness to stakeholders and the public in a long-term perspective. Given the ever-increasing reliance of biomedical research on large biological repositories and their associated databases, we recommend that biobanks increase their efforts to future-proof their governance.
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17
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Linsen L, Vanhees K, Vanoppen E, Ulenaers K, Driessens S, Penders J, Somers V, Stinissen P, Rummens JL. Raising to the Challenge: Building a Federated Biobank to Accelerate Translational Research-The University Biobank Limburg. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:224. [PMID: 31750305 PMCID: PMC6842921 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Irreproducibility of research results is one of the major contributing factors to the failure of translating basic research results into tangible bedside progress. To address this, the University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim) was founded by a collaboration between Hasselt University, the Hospital East-Limburg, and the Jessa Hospital. This paper describes the evolution of this process and the barriers encountered on the way. UBiLim evolved from an archival collection over a single-site biobank into a federated structure, supporting translational research at the founding institutions. Currently, UBiLim is a federated biobank, with an established organizational structure and processing, and storage facilities at each of the three sites. All activities are integrated in an ISO15189-accredited Quality Management System and based on (inter)national biobank guidelines. Common methods for processing and storage of a plethora of sample types, suitable for state-of-the-art applications, were validated and implemented. Because the biobank is embedded in two hospitals, the request of researchers to include certain sample types or enroll specific patient groups can quickly be met. Funding has been a major challenge in each step of its evolution and remains the biggest issue for long-term biobank sustainability. To a lesser extent, the Belgian legislation and the operational cost of information management system are also concerns for smooth biobank operations. Nonetheless, UBiLim serves as a facilitator and accelerator for translational research in the Limburg area of Belgium that, given the fields of research, may have an impact on international patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loes Linsen
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Clinical Laboratory, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Kimberly Vanhees
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Clinical Laboratory, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Evi Vanoppen
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Clinical Laboratory, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Kim Ulenaers
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Driessens
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Clinical Laboratory, Hospital East-Limburg (ZOL), Genk, Belgium
| | - Joris Penders
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Clinical Laboratory, Hospital East-Limburg (ZOL), Genk, Belgium
| | - Veerle Somers
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Piet Stinissen
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Rummens
- University Biobank Limburg (UBiLim), Hasselt, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Limburg Clinical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Clinical Laboratory, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
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18
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Kozlakidis Z. Strides forward in biobanking ethics. Lancet Public Health 2019; 4:e495. [PMID: 31578984 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(19)30154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, 69372 Lyon cedex 08, France.
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19
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Coppola L, Cianflone A, Grimaldi AM, Incoronato M, Bevilacqua P, Messina F, Baselice S, Soricelli A, Mirabelli P, Salvatore M. Biobanking in health care: evolution and future directions. J Transl Med 2019; 17:172. [PMID: 31118074 PMCID: PMC6532145 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1922-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present review is to discuss how the promising field of biobanking can support health care research strategies. As the concept has evolved over time, biobanks have grown from simple biological sample repositories to complex and dynamic units belonging to large infrastructure networks, such as the Pan-European Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure (BBMRI). Biobanks were established to support scientific knowledge. Different professional figures with varied expertise collaborate to obtain and collect biological and clinical data from human subjects. At same time biobanks preserve the human and legal rights of each person that offers biomaterial for research. METHODS A literature review was conducted in April 2019 from the online database PubMed, accessed through the Bibliosan platform. Four primary topics related to biobanking will be discussed: (i) evolution, (ii) bioethical issues, (iii) organization, and (iv) imaging. RESULTS Most biobanks were founded as local units to support specific research projects, so they evolved in a decentralized manner. The consequence is an urgent needing for procedure harmonization regarding sample collection, processing, and storage. Considering the involvement of biomaterials obtained from human beings, different ethical issues such as the informed consent model, sample ownership, veto rights, and biobank sustainability are debated. In the face of these methodological and ethical challenges, international organizations such as BBMRI play a key role in supporting biobanking activities. Finally, a unique development is the creation of imaging biobanks that support the translation of imaging biomarkers (identified using a radiomic approach) into clinical practice by ensuring standardization of data acquisition and analysis, accredited technical validation, and transparent sharing of biological and clinical data. CONCLUSION Modern biobanks permit large-scale analysis for individuation of specific diseases biomarkers starting from biological or digital material (i.e., bioimages) with well-annotated clinical and biological data. These features are essential for improving personalized medical approaches, where effective biomarker identification is a critical step for disease diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Coppola
- IRCCS SDN, Naples Via Emanuele Gianturco, 11, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Bevilacqua
- IRCCS SDN, Naples Via Emanuele Gianturco, 11, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Simona Baselice
- IRCCS SDN, Naples Via Emanuele Gianturco, 11, 80143, Naples, Italy.,Ospedale Evangelico Betania, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Soricelli
- IRCCS SDN, Naples Via Emanuele Gianturco, 11, 80143, Naples, Italy.,Department of Sport Sciences & Healthiness, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Salvatore
- IRCCS SDN, Naples Via Emanuele Gianturco, 11, 80143, Naples, Italy
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20
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Caliebe A, Scherag A, Strech D, Mansmann U. [Scientific and ethical evaluation of projects in data-driven medicine]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 62:765-772. [PMID: 31073661 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-02958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The generation and usage of extensive data from medical care aims at answering crucial medical research questions. Buzzwords in this area are learning health system, data-driven medicine and big data. In addition to classical biostatistical methods, machine learning approaches are frequently applied for analysis.In the evaluation of projects from data-driven medicine by research ethics committees, the question arises of how to assess the benefit-risk ratio and the scientific and social value. Which knowledge is required for that purpose? How can research ethics committees prepare for these challenges? Scientific approaches from the area of observational studies and the consideration of agreed-upon ethical aspects (consent, validity, justice, benefit-risk ratio and transparency) can help to answer the above-mentioned questions. One has to bear in mind that data-driven medicine is no paradigm shift that in principle challenges the established scientific and ethical evaluation procedures. Nevertheless, the evaluation of projects from data-driven medicine requires enhanced specialisation and comprehensive methodical expertise from the areas of machine learning and observational studies.Empirical research of the progression and governance of data-driven medicine will support the development and continual adaptation of effective strategies for evaluation by research ethics committees. Training and networking of experts will enable us to meet the challenges of data-driven medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amke Caliebe
- Institut für Medizinische Informatik und Statistik, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - André Scherag
- Institut für Medizinische Statistik, Informatik und Datenwissenschaften, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Daniel Strech
- AG "Translationale Bioethik", QUEST - Center, Berliner Institut für Gesundheitsforschung (BIG/BIH), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Ulrich Mansmann
- Institut für Medizinische Informationsverarbeitung, Biometrie und Epidemiologie, Lehrstuhl Medizinische Biometrie und Bioinformatik, LMU München, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.
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21
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Lieb W, Jacobs G, Wolf A, Richter G, Gaede KI, Schwarz J, Arnold N, Böhm R, Buyx A, Cascorbi I, Franke A, Glinicke C, Held-Feindt J, Junker R, Kalthoff H, Kramer HH, Leypoldt F, Maass N, Maetzler W, May S, Mehdorn HM, Röcken C, Schafmayer C, Schrappe M, Schreiber S, Sebens S, Stephani U, Synowitz M, Weimer J, Zabel P, Nöthlings U, Röder C, Krawczak M. Linking pre-existing biorepositories for medical research: the PopGen 2.0 Network. J Community Genet 2019; 10:523-530. [PMID: 30927239 PMCID: PMC6754520 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-019-00417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of human biorepositories for modern medical research, particularly for comprehensive population-based genetic analyses, is constantly growing. While large and centralized institutions are usually considered best suited to meet the increasing demand for high-quality “biobanks,” most medical research institutions still host rather heterogeneous and fragmented biobanking activities, undertaken by clinical departments with oftentimes rather different scientific scope. Undoubtedly, most clinicians and medical researchers would appreciate infrastructural support in terms of the storage and handling of their biosamples, but they are also likely to expect access to their samples avoiding extensive formal requirements. We report on the establishment of the PopGen 2.0 Network (P2N), an overarching alliance of initially seven biobanks from Northern Germany which adopted a joint but lean governance structure and use-and-access policy for their samples and data. In addition, the members of P2N have pursued an intense collaboration on ethical, legal and social issues and maintain a common IT infrastructure. The implementation of P2N has substantially improved the prospects of biobank-based research at the participating institutions. The network may thus serve as a role model for similar initiatives geared at linking pre-existing biorepositories for the benefit of research quality, efficiency, and transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Lieb
- Institute of Epidemiology Kiel University and PopGen Biobank, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel Hs. 1, Niemannsweg 11, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Gunnar Jacobs
- Institute of Epidemiology Kiel University and PopGen Biobank, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel Hs. 1, Niemannsweg 11, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Wolf
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gesine Richter
- Institute of Epidemiology Kiel University and PopGen Biobank, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel Hs. 1, Niemannsweg 11, 24105, Kiel, Germany.,Division of Biomedical Ethics, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Karoline I Gaede
- BioMaterialBank Nord, Department of Medicine, Leibniz Lung Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, Germany
| | - Jeanette Schwarz
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Norbert Arnold
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ruwen Böhm
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alena Buyx
- Division of Biomedical Ethics, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ingolf Cascorbi
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christine Glinicke
- Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Janka Held-Feindt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ralf Junker
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Holger Kalthoff
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hans-Heiner Kramer
- Department for Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicolai Maass
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sandra May
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - H Maximilian Mehdorn
- Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Clemens Schafmayer
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Schrappe
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrich Stephani
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Synowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jörg Weimer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Peter Zabel
- Department of Pneumology, Leibniz Lung Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, Germany
| | - Ute Nöthlings
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Röder
- Institute of Epidemiology Kiel University and PopGen Biobank, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel Hs. 1, Niemannsweg 11, 24105, Kiel, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Krawczak
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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22
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Langhof H, Schwietering J, Strech D. Practice evaluation of biobank ethics and governance: current needs and future perspectives. J Med Genet 2018; 56:176-185. [PMID: 30464052 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biobank research faces many ethical challenges. Ethics research aims to develop standards for governance to meet these challenges by elaborating overarching normative principles of medical ethics in the context of biobanking. Most ethical standards are widely agreed on among biobank stakeholders and entail specific governance solutions, for example, adoption of consent procedures. In order to fully meet its goal, every governance solution needs to be implemented, evaluated and, if necessary, adapted and improved in practice. This study reviews the scientific literature on biobank ethics and governance in order to identify studies that specifically focus on practice evaluation of biobank governance. METHODS A PubMed search was carried out. Retrieved literature was categorised and thematically clustered. All studies that focus on practice evaluation were reviewed and their objectives, results, and recommendations for practice summarised. RESULTS The findings show that the majority of studies on biobank ethics and governance are theoretical; only 25 out of 922 studies empirically evaluate biobank governance in practice. The majority of these (14; 59%) focused on informed consent. Six studies (24%) addressed practice evaluation of sample and data access; the rest focused on public involvement, ethics reporting and incidental findings. Other relevant governance areas such as ethics review, priority setting and sample ownership were not addressed. CONCLUSION In order to fulfil the ethical goals, more empirical research is needed that provides information on how governance mechanisms perform in practice and what improvements are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Langhof
- Charité - University Medicine Berlin, QUEST - Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Schwietering
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Strech
- Charité - University Medicine Berlin, QUEST - Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.,Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
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23
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Sharing data for future research-engaging participants' views about data governance beyond the original project: a DIRECT Study. Genet Med 2018; 21:1131-1138. [PMID: 30262927 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-018-0299-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Biomedical data governance strategies should ensure that data are collected, stored, and used ethically and lawfully. However, research participants' preferences for how data should be governed is least studied. The Diabetes Research on Patient Stratification (DIRECT) project collected substantial amounts of health and genetic information from patients at risk of, and with type II diabetes. We conducted a survey to understand participants' future data governance preferences. Results will inform the postproject data governance strategy. METHODS A survey was distributed in Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. RESULTS In total 855 surveys were returned. Ninety-seven percent were supportive of sharing data postproject, and 90% were happy to share data with universities, and 56% with commercial companies. The top three priorities for data sharing were highly secure database, DIRECT researchers to monitor data used by other researchers, and researchers cannot identify participants. Respondents frequently suggested that a postproject Data Access Committee should involve a DIRECT researcher, diabetes clinician, patient representative, and a DIRECT participant. CONCLUSION Preferences of how data should be governed, and what data could be shared and with whom varied between countries. Researchers are considered as key custodians of participant data. Engaging participants aids in designing governance to support their choices.
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24
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Langhof H, Kahrass H, Illig T, Jahns R, Strech D. Current practices for access, compensation, and prioritization in biobanks. Results from an interview study. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 26:1572-1581. [PMID: 30089824 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human biological materials and related data stored in biobanks are valuable resources for biomedical research. Transparent, effective, and efficient governance structures and procedures for access, compensation, and priority setting are needed, but recent debates indicate challenges in the practical application of such governance processes. This study aimed to assess the practical experiences and attitudes of biobank experts regarding the governance of biosample access, prioritization, and compensation. Qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 20 biobank directors from eight countries. Respondents highlighted the need for sound governance structures in order to ensure acceptance by all stakeholders (patients/donors, researchers, research funders, public, and others). They stressed practical difficulties in trying to make best use of biomaterials. As biobanks often form part of larger academic and clinical settings, the different and sometimes conflicting interests of researchers, clinicians, patients, funders, and biobank staff currently affect the governance of access decisions. Investments such as intellectual input, financial, and human resources need to be compensated adequately. Biobanks thereby have a dual role stewarding the hosted biosamples and acting as a service provider for local researchers from universities or hospitals. In order to facilitate efficient use of human biological materials, greater harmonization of at least minimum standards for access and compensation are required at both a national and an international level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Langhof
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.
| | - Hannes Kahrass
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Illig
- Hannover Unified Biobank, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Roland Jahns
- University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Wuerzburg (ibdw), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Strech
- Institute for History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.,Charité - University Medicine Berlin, QUEST - Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
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25
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Kleiderman E, Pack A, Borry P, Zawati M. The author who wasn't there? Fairness and attribution in publications following access to population biobanks. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194997. [PMID: 29570738 PMCID: PMC5865744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a document analysis that explored publication ethics and authorship in the context of population biobanks from both a theoretical (e.g. normative documents) and practical (e.g. biobank-specific documentation) perspective. The aim was to provide an overview of the state of authorship attribution in population biobanks and attempt to fill the gap in discussions around the issue. Our findings demonstrate that the most common approach adopted in both the normative and biobank-specific documentation is acknowledgment. A co-authorship approach was second and highlighted concerns surrounding the fairness of imposing authorship of the scientific leadership as a condition to access data and biosamples, as well as the alignment with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors' criteria such as what is deemed a significant contribution and how to ensure accountability. Based on these findings, we propose a three-prong approach, that may be cumulative, to address the issue of authorship attribution in the context of population biobanks, namely 1) the biobank should be appropriately acknowledged; 2) an invitation for co-authorship should be made based on the spirit of collaboration and provided a substantial contribution has been made; and 3) a citation/referencing option should be available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Kleiderman
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amy Pack
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascal Borry
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ma’n Zawati
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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