Abstract 3835: The PATH biobank - procedures and results of a breast cancer biospecimen research resource
Authors: Tobias Anzeneder, Cathrin Mayer, Ulla Ohlms, Doris C. Schmitt, Carmen Waldner, Reinhard Büttner, Heinz Bodenmueller
Journal: Cancer Research (2014)

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of PATH is to provide high quality fresh frozen breast cancer specimen for research, annotated with highly differentiated datasets. To this end, we have developed and established standardized methods for collection, processing, labeling, longterm storage, retrieval and distribution of the specimen. PATH is a non-profit, patient-driven biobank in Germany. Procedures: The PATH biobank consists of a centralized database and a decentralized biorepository. The samples are collected and stored at seven institutes for pathology being part of certified German breast cancer centers. Breast cancer patients can join PATH by informed consent; all PATH procedures include ethical approval. Using unique SOPs, tumor tissue, normal adjacent tissue and blood serum aliquots are being processed, labeled and stored long-term under fresh frozen conditions using vapor phase of liquid nitrogen. Serum aliquots have a minimum volume of 1ml; tissue samples at least 3mm edge length. All data is stored in an Oracle® database, containing an in-house LIMS. Follow up data is collected by directly questioning the breast cancer patients who donated their tissue and blood to PATH. Follow up events, such as local or distant recurrence are validated by physicians in charge or regional German cancer registries. Specimen and datasets can be obtained upon request. The application process follows particular terms and conditions and goes through a peer review. The PATH Foundation charges a fee for specimen allocation to enable it to continue its work. Results: Since 2004, more than 7,200 breast cancer patients have given informed consent. From 59% of all donors a tumor tissue specimen could be stored. The same applies to 62% of all cases in accordance to adjacent normal tissue specimen and in 92% with blood serum samples. Tumor stages T1 or T2 are present in 93% of the women. Overall, 81% are ER+, 71% PR+ and 13% HER2-neu+. The triple negative subgroup includes 11% of all patients. E.g. PATH stores 1,142 fresh frozen tumor aliquots of 453 triple negative cases. In a sub-cohort, comprising the years of diagnosis 2006 - 2009, 76% of all individuals could be reached through follow-up inquiries by PATH. Subsequently, in a test-collective (108 patients, median follow-up time 4.8 years) only 5% were “lost to follow up”. Research groups having used PATH's biobank applied different techniques successfully for their investigations, among them were laser capture microdissection, next generation sequencing, whole genome sequencing, proteomics technologies and immuno histochemical procedures. Several publications and presentations demonstrate the quality of PATH's biobank. Conclusion: The biobank and annotating datasets containing detailed clinical, biological and follow up information are a valuable resource for breast cancer research. Sample quality enables the application of modern analytical methods without prior patient recruitment or sample collection. Citation Format: Tobias Anzeneder, Cathrin Mayer, Ulla Ohlms, Doris C. Schmitt, Carmen Waldner, Reinhard Büttner, Heinz Bodenmueller. The PATH biobank - procedures and results of a breast cancer biospecimen research resource. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3835. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3835