A High-Quality Biobank Supports Breast Cancer Research in Harbin, China

Biopreserv Biobank. 2016 Oct;14(5):375-382. doi: 10.1089/bio.2015.0010. Epub 2016 Apr 15.

Abstract

We established a standard breast cancer biobank at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital (HMUCH) in 2009. More than 100,000 biospecimens, including high-quality human breast cancer samples, matched blood samples, and adjacent normal tissues, were collected from patients and healthy donors in HMUCH and were then deposited in the repository. We reported the establishment of a biobank in our hospital and its crucial role in translational medicine research. We stored, processed, and distributed qualified biological specimens in accordance with international standard operating procedures. We also summarized the utilization of this biobank and its influence on research projects over the years since its establishment. Therefore, we can verify specific biomarkers that may aid in the development of targeted breast cancer therapies by using high-quality, well-annotated tissue samples provided by the biobank.

Keywords: biobank; breast cancer; high-quality samples; storage conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Biomedical Research
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • RNA / isolation & purification
  • RNA / standards
  • Specimen Handling / standards*
  • Tissue Banks / standards*
  • Transcriptome
  • Translational Research, Biomedical

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • RNA