Initiation of the pan-Manchester MCRC biobank: Key learning points

2^nd International Conference on Cytopathology & Histopathology

August 10-12, 2016 Las Vegas, USA

Jane Rogan

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Cytol Histol

Abstract :

Research biobanks are a vital resource in basic and translational cancer scientific research. This paper outlines the concept and successful delivery of a major biobank spanning a large industrial conurbation. The Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) has established a pan-Manchester biobank based at the Christie Cancer Centre and involving 4 other large teaching hospitals. Frozen and formalin fixed tumor and normal tissue with related blood and urine samples is collected from patients undergoing cancer surgery. Archives are also mined, particularly where these collections are linked to clinical outcomes. Fresh tumor samples and fluids are also collected prospectively for culture and in vivo work. Resource for the biobank has been obtained from various sources, both academic and commercial. Challenges faced when setting up a large cancer biobank are varied and complex and key learning points have been identified from the MCRC biobank experience. Things considered include; effective and early communication with collaborating NHS Trusts, timing of staff recruitment, development of Standard Operating Protocols to produce high quality samples and the need for an advanced database system to deal with both sample tracking and related informatics. Involvement of key clinical, scientific and managerial and support staff has been critical at each stage. Learning points from the development of the MCRC biobank may assist future cancer biobank developments to ensure a robust infrastructure supporting the collection of large numbers of high quality biological samples, which are easily accessible to researchers.

Biography :

Email: jane.rogan@christie.nhs.uk