Collaborative storage and research use of human biospecimens between MSKCC and AUB

Abstract

Background: As biospecimens are ultimately institutional resources, biologic specimens-tissue, blood or other body fluids- with benign or malignant disease that are left over after all intended diagnostic tests for clinical care are stored at our facilities. This project aims to procure and maintain a repository of human biological specimens for distribution to investigators, while maintaining confidentiality of patients. Methods: Left over biospecimens are procured and stored in the pathology department by the Tissue procurement service in a manner consistent with high standards for the protection of human participants in research. Patients are approached by consenting professionals to obtain the consent as part of the informed consent process. The objective and nature of the study is explained, as well as the voluntariness of the process. Results: In the course of 3 years, over 500 samples were collected from the patients to perform research studies. The sample types vary, the organ from which samples were procured include among others: thyroid samples, breast, brain, stomach, pancreas, liver, intestine, colon, and rectum. They include a vast variety of pathologies. Conclusion: The stored biospecimens will play a vital role in the development of anticancer interventions benefitting from the size, diversity, and richness of demographic and clinical information linked to the specimens. Our repository of human biospecimens has grown and will continue to grow as more samples are being stored daily.