Developing a breast cancer tissue biobank in low and middle income countries (LMICs): A research program-based approach for improving molecular profiling.

Abstract

e12585 Background: Breast cancer incidence and mortality is increasing in LMICs especially in sub-Saharan Africa, attributed to changes in lifestyle and possible biological differences. To study putative relationships among lifestyle factors, tumor biology, and the microenvironment, we aimed to develop a breast cancer tissue biobank linked with clinicopathologic and patient reported data in this resource constrained setting. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing mastectomy at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Pre-operatively, a locally validated survey tool assessed lifestyle factors (diet and exercise); BMI and body composition (by bioimpedence) were measured. Fresh breast tissue was frozen or preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin, or RNA later for future metabolomic work. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ER/PR and HER2 status was performed and read in Nigeria by a locally-trained pathologist, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. The primary outcome was feasibility assessed by successful collection of tissue, clinicopathologic data, and survey completion. Secondary outcomes were completion rate of tumor receptor IHC compared to historic rates and concordance of local vs MSK IHC. Results: From April 2018 to June 2019, 50 patients were enrolled (49 treatment and 1 risk reduction mastectomy). Clinicopathologic, body composition, and survey data, along with breast tissue were collected from all 50 patients. Patient characteristics in table below. Receptor IHC was complete in all patients (100%) compared to a historic rate of 29% (83/286) between 2010-17. Concordance of IHC between sites was 86%, 81% and 84% for subtypes (ER/PR/HER2). Conclusions: Establishing a tissue biobank with clinicopathologic and lifestyle data using locally-adapted protocols is feasible in Nigeria. Patient enrolment is ongoing and updated data will be presented. This initiative also increased local capacity for breast tumor phenotyping, which has critical implications for improving patient care. [Table: see text]