Translational research sample collection
BIG trials anticipate the future, collecting biospecimens for translational research to help us identify the treatments most suited to each individual patient
Adequate tissue handling is of utmost importance for progress to be made in breast cancer research. Translational research is prioritised in the many studies under the Breast International Group (BIG) umbrella, tissue collection an integral aspect to enable future clinical and basic research. However, tissue handling still varies enormously between different laboratories and, in an effort to emphasise the importance of appropriate tissue handling, and to do so with an international perspective, BIG developed clear and user-friendly educational material to provide guidance for handling tissues. This project was realised in collaboration with the Jules Bordet Institute and its pathology laboratory in particular (Brussels, Belgium).
The educational material produced by BIG consists of a 10-minute video, a poster and a flyer (the latter in checklist format). They demonstrate step-by-step the most important elements to take into account when handling samples in a laboratory setting: from the optimal documentation and traceability of samples handling to the specificities, advantages and disadvantages of the different freezing methods. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of having optimal documented laboratory practices and adequate traceability throughout the full workflow. Of course, the basic processes illustrated in this educational material are not study-specific, and the measures shown can be used in daily practice for any type of study or practice.
The main aim of this project is to achieve a long-term, durable, and optimal implementation of tissue handling procedures, as there is no other choice if the use of tissue material from international trials for translational research is to remain the backbone for progress in breast cancer research.
BIG strongly encourages its members to widely spread this material to their sites, and more specifically to the laboratory staff, which will be able to use the flyer (that lists the main items in checklist format) in their daily practice.
This project targets an international audience, and all material is available in 6 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch and Italian.
