Pathology and Biobanking

[Principles of biobanking and biobanks of central nervous system tumors in world practice]

Biobanks of central nervous system tumors are created in parallel with development of modern technologies for evaluation of molecular features of human diseases. In modern world practice, no one doubts that creation of biobanks of tumors is necessary and critical for personalized medicine. An important aspect of recent improvements in biobanks has been the expansion of tumor sample storage conditions. Development of cell technologies has made it possible to create cell cultures from tumor material that made it possible to evaluate further therapy before affecting the patient himself. Biobanks have become especially attractive in the study of brain tumors, where the peculiarity of location and blood-brain barrier complicate treatment approaches. This review describes the approaches to creation of biobanks of CNS tumors in world practice, sample storage conditions, ethical and legal regulation of biobanks, as well as experience of biobanking in different countries.

The Dutch National TissueArchive Portal enables efficient, consistent, and transparent procurement of diagnostic tissue samples for scientific use

Biobanks play a crucial role in enabling biomedical research by facilitating scientific use of valuable human biomaterials. The PALGA foundation—a nationwide network and registry of histo- and cytopathology in the Netherlands—was established to promote the provision of data within and between pathology departments, and to make the resulting knowledge available for healthcare. Apart from the pathology data, we aimed to utilize PALGA’s nationwide network to find and access the rich wealth of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue samples for scientific use.  We implemented the Dutch National TissueArchive Portal (DNTP) to utilize PALGA’s nationwide network for requesting FFPE tissue samples. The DNTP consists of (1) a centrally organized internet portal to improve the assessing, processing, harmonization, and monitoring of the procurement process, while (2) dedicated HUB-employees provide practical support at peripheral pathology departments. Since incorporation of the DNTP, both the number of filed requests for FFPE tissue samples and the amount of HUB-mediated support increased 55 and 29% respectively. In line, the sample procurement duration time decreased significantly (− 47%). These findings indicate that implementation of the DNTP improved the frequency, efficiency, and transparency of FFPE tissue sample procurement for research in the Netherlands. To conclude, the need for biological resources is growing persistently to enable precision medicine. Here, we access PALGA’s national, pathology network by implementation of the DNTP to allow for efficient, consistent, and transparent exchange of FFPE tissue samples for research across the Netherlands.