The aim of our study, beyond validating a method of collecting and storing biological samples from patients with prostate cancer, was to validate an innovative biopsy method for the creation of a biobank of prostatic frozen tissues. Patients referred to our hospital between November 2008 and March 2010 to undergo radical prostatectomy were invited to participate in the study. Each patient's data were stored in two databases (personal information and clinical database) while samples of urine, blood and its derivatives, fresh material and formalin-processed tissue were stored in a correlated biobank. The proposed method for collecting fresh material was to take samples of the neoplastic tissue by carrying out targeted biopsies in the area indicated by the biopsy mapping as the site of the malignancy, under manual palpation to identify the neoplastic nodule. The site of sampling was marked by an injection of India ink. 55 patients agreed to participate in the study. In 43 cases biopsies were correct, with a mean of 48% of core involved by tumour (range, 10-90%). Overall the tumour detection rate was 78.2%. The protocol for collecting biological material and the new method for collecting fresh tissue reduce internal steps and staff involved, thereby reducing all those variables that cause heterogeneity of material and changes in its quality. This process provides high quality, low cost material for research on prostate cancer. The features of the collection protocol mean that the protocol can also be used in non-academic centres with only limited research funds.
Written by:
Carmignani L, Picozzi S, Casellato S, Bozzini G, Marenghi C, Macchi A, Lunelli L, Rubino B, Clemente C. Are you the author?
Urology Department, University of Milan, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.
Reference: Pathol Oncol Res. 2012 Jan 4. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1007/s12253-011-9492-6
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22215310
UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section
![](/../images/stories/logo_urotoday_nsm.jpg)