A Primer on a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Bioresource Bank Using the Cancer Genome Atlas Guidelines: Practical Issues and Pitfalls

• Published in: World journal of surgery 2011-08, Vol.35 (8), p.1732-1737
• Main Authors: Nguyen, N. Thao T., Cotton, Ron T., Harring, Theresa R., Guiteau, Jacfranz J., Gingras, Marie-Claude, Wheeler, David A., O’Mahony, Christine A., Gibbs, Richard A., Brunicardi, F. Charles, Goss, John A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - genetics; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - pathology; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - surgery; Cardiac Surgery; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - genetics; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - pathology; Common Data Element; Comprehensive Cancer Center; Cooperative Behavior; Cryogenic Vial; Databases, Genetic - standards; Databases, Nucleic Acid - standards; Disease Progression; Forecasting; General Surgery; Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics; Genome, Human - genetics; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Liver - pathology; Liver Cirrhosis - pathology; Liver Neoplasms - genetics; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Liver Neoplasms - surgery; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; National Cancer Institute (U.S.); Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - pathology; Precision Medicine - trends; Surgery; Tace; Thoracic Surgery; Tissue Bank; Tissue Banks - standards; United States; Vascular Surgery
• ISSN: 0364-2313; 1432-2323
• DOI: 10.1007/s00268-010-0953-y

Background Since the advent of the human genome, the era of personalized genomic medicine is indisputably in progress. Methods In an effort to contribute to the evolving knowledge of genomic medicine, we have aimed directly at building a bioresource bank for hepatocellular carcinoma. This tumor bank is based on the rigorous guidelines set forth by the National Cancer Institute, and it offers analytes to help elucidate the mechanisms of progression from cirrhosis to malignancy, risk factors for recurrence, and applicability of current treatment options to a diverse group of people. Conclusions Surgeons have a privileged position between patients (and their cancer) and the benches of basic science. Thus, we offer a primer based on our own experiences, from which surgeons may take elements to build their own bioresource bank for use in collaboration with others. We highlight some practicalities and pitfalls that could be overlooked, as well as a discussion of possible solutions.