Biorepository

The ACTREC Biorepository is the custodian of stored biological samples that can be shared, under a tightly regulated and strictly monitored mechanism, with researchers having approved projects that aim to study the biology of cancer, find biomarkers for a more refined molecular classification, or for targeted therapy. In all, tissue samples from 630 cases were accrued in the Biorepository during 2017. As always the majority were head and neck tumors, followed by breast tumors. Other tumor types included neurological, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecological, etc.

This year, the collection of bio specimens was extended to the Breast OPD wherein core biopsies are now being cryo preserved for future research; this is in addition to collection from the OTs, Frozen room and Surgical Pathology. Cryopreserved tissue samples (470) were provided to eight Principal Investigators with approved projects under various protocols at the Tata Memorial Centre. In the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) project, gingivo buccal mucosa tumour and blood samples were collected from 30 patients accrued this year, and their extracted genomic DNA samples were sent to NIBMG, Kalyani for whole genome scan and sequence capture-based flow cell sequencing.

The Biorepository itself initiated a project on quality monitoring of in-house cryo preserved tissues. The OIC contributed her Pathology expertise involving the evaluation of Hematoxylin & Eosin as well as immunohistochemistry slides to eight ACTREC projects.