A comprehensive information database (CID) of breast cancer patients in China

Abstract

Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among female cancer patients in China and the world [1]. Although having yielded a great deal of knowledge in the last three decades, basic breast cancer research is often conducted using cultured cells that mimic tumors only to a certain extent. Likewise, the use of mouse models to investigate breast cancer has its obvious limitations. The combination of tumor samples and patients’ clinical information can facilitate the discovery of new biomarkers, which can be used to benefit new tumor patients. However, the acquisition and access to tumor specimens as well as comprehensive information on patients have been a bottleneck in breast cancer research. A comprehensive information database (CID) allows scientists to assess and verify the clinical relevance of basic findings, thereby providing an essential link between basic and applied research [2,3]. The recent advances in genomics, proteomics, biotechnology, and information technology led to the establishment of many national tumor bank networks, such as the Spanish National Tumor Bank Network (SNTBN), which aims to collect tumor banks across Spain. A promising area in cancer research is the identification and characterization of biomarkers that can predict the response of cancer to treatment. CID has played pivotal roles in evaluating diagnostic tools and therapeutic reagents, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/ Neu (amplified in some breast cancers), prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) antigen test for ovarian cancers. The CID of the Department of Breast Pathology and Research of Tianjin Medical University was founded in 2003 with the aim of creating a bridge between basic research and clinical resources. Located in a major tumor hospital, the department collects comprehensive information from all patients (i.e., epidemiology, breast imaging, clinical findings, immunologic findings, susceptibility of tumor cells to abnormal breast tissue, etc.) and various tissue samples (i.e., peripheral blood, normal and abnormal breast tissues, etc.). CID has collected more than 10 000 cases and continues to provide support to many research projects across China [4,5]. This database will become a powerful tool in facilitating the development of clinical and translational medicine.