AUTHOR=Bonizzi Giuseppina , Zattoni Lorenzo , Capra Maria , Cassi Cristina , Taliento Giulio , Ivanova Mariia , Guerini-Rocco Elena , Fumagalli Marzia , Monturano Massimo , Albini Adriana , Viale Giuseppe , Orecchia Roberto , Fusco Nicola TITLE=Standard operating procedures for biobank in oncology JOURNAL=Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences VOLUME=9 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-biosciences/articles/10.3389/fmolb.2022.967310 DOI=10.3389/fmolb.2022.967310 ISSN=2296-889X ABSTRACT=

Biobanks are biorepositories that collect, process, store, catalog, and distribute human biological samples, and record the associated data. The role and action field of these strategic infrastructures for implementing precision medicine in translational research is continuously evolving. To ensure the optimal quality at all stages of biobanking, specific protocols are required and should be elaborated according to updated guidelines, recommendations, laws, and rules. This article illustrates the standard operating procedures, including protocols, troubleshooting, and quality controls, of a fully certified biobank in a referral Cancer Center. This model involves all clinical departments and research groups to support the dual mission of academic cancer centers, i.e. to provide high-quality care and high-quality research. All biobanking activities based on the type of biological specimens are detailed and the most tricky methodological aspects are discussed, from patients’ informed consent to specimen management.