From the Ground Up: Creation of a Neurosurgical Tissue Biobank

Introduction: The generation of a tissue biobank is essential for creating a foundation for translational oncology research whereby physician-scientists and students alike can pursue a wide range of research topics. However, creating a tissue biobank poses regulatory and logistical challenges for researchers. We describe the structure of the Neurosurgical Tissue Biobank (NTB) at a single academic institution and provide guidance for other groups seeking to build a biobank from the ground up.

Methods: The NTB encompasses tissue from all neurosurgical patients within a single academic institution. Tissue samples include disk and bone removed during elective spinal surgery, spinal tumors (intradural, extradural and within the vertebral body), as well as all brain tumors. The protocol is written to facilitate collection directly from the operating room, with approval from the Department of Pathology, to allow cell culture from tumor samples. Matched blood samples are obtained for immune cell extraction (Miltenyi Biotec autoMACS PBMC Isolation Kit) or archived as serum samples and RNA recovery (BD Biosciences PAXgene tubes). Patient samples are de-identified, allowing researchers to remain blinded to the sample origin, but researchers may request demographic details for correlative studies from research administrations.

Results: In the first 6 months of this biobanking program, over 100 patients have been consented for blood and tissue collection, and 7 patient-derived cell cultures have been initiated. Costs per patient sample ranged from 85 - 120 USD depending on sample volume. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes preoperatively and were transferred immediately on ice to the laboratory for immune cell isolation or centrifugation and preservation. Tissue samples were retrieved immediately and taken to the laboratory for cryopreservation, xenograft implantation, patient-derived cell line initiation, DNA/RNA/protein analysis, and/or immunostaining. Additional tissue samples were kept by pathology for immunohistochemistry and preparation of FFPE slides.

Conclusion : Creation of a neurosurgical tissue biobank and biobanking protocol has afforded physicians and scientists at our institution the opportunity to develop and expand upon research projects in various areas of neurosurgical oncology. Multidisciplinary coordination (operating room staff, pathology, research assistants, etc) is paramount for effective protocol functioning.