Building a Cancer Biobank in a Low-Resource Setting in Northern Iran: the Golestan Cancer Biobank.

Fatemeh Ghasemi-Kebria,Mohammad Naeimi-Tabiei,Dariush Nasrollahzadeh,Behnoush Abedi-Ardekani,Elisabete Weiderpass,Sima Besharat,Hossein Poustchi,Gholamreza Roshandel,Zahra Babapalangi,Abdolreza Fazel,Zisis Kozlakidis,Isen Gharanjic,Nastaran Jafari-Delouie,Taghi Amiriani,Mohammad Ashaari,Alireza Norouzi,Shahryar Semnani

doi:10.34172/aim.2021.75

Abstract

We aim to present the development and the initial results of the Golestan Cancer Biobank (GoCB), in a low resource setting in northern Iran. The GoCB protocol and its standard operation procedures (SOP) were developed according to internationally accepted standards and protocols with some modifications considering the limited resources in our setting. The main biological samples collected by the GoCB include blood sample, urine sample, fresh endoscopy tissue sample, fresh surgical tissue sample and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sample. The GoCB collects patients' demographic data, tumor characteristics as well as data on risk factors. We developed a specific GoCB software for management of patient data and biological sample information. The GoCB dataset is annually linked with the Golestan cancer registry dataset to add complementary data (e.g., survival data). The GoCB started collection of data and biological samples in December 2016. By November 2020, a total number of 1217 cancer patients participated in the GoCB. The majority of the GoCB participants (n = 942, 77%) were those with gastrointestinal and breast cancers. Data on risk factors were successfully collected in 684 (56.2%) of the participants. Overall, 3563 samples were collected from the GoCB participants and 730 samples were used in 7 national and international research projects. We considered specific strategies to overcome major limitations, especially budget shortage, in the development and maintenance of a cancer-specific biological repositories in our setting. The GoCB may be considered as a model for the development of biobank in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Highlights

Despite the development of oncology and cancer genomics research, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide
Types of Biological Samples The main biological samples collected by the Golestan Cancer Biobank (GoCB) include blood sample, urine sample, fresh mucosal biopsies by endoscopy, fresh surgically resected tissue samples and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples
As in other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the limitations and challenges were addressed through identifying the best strategies available, based on specific conditions and available resources

Summary

Introduction

Despite the development of oncology and cancer genomics research, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The growing cancer incidence and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are due to several factors, including population growth and aging as well as changes in the prevalence and distribution of the main risk factors.[1,2] Conducting cancer research to identify risk factors is one of the most important steps in designing effective cancer control programs. We aim to present the development and the initial results of the Golestan Cancer Biobank (GoCB), in a low resource setting in northern Iran. Conclusion: We considered specific strategies to overcome major limitations, especially budget shortage, in the development and maintenance of a cancer-specific biological repositories in our setting. The GoCB may be considered as a model for the development of biobank in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion