National Health System Support Services
Tumour Bank
Tissue
The aim of the CNIO’s TBN is to acquire neoplastic and control non-neoplastic material of all types of malignant neoplasias, in the form of tissue fixed in formalin and paraffin embedded, of samples that are unfixed or frozen according to conventional methods as set out in Annexe 1 and even, exceptionally as fresh tissue.
When other types of samples are required to carry out a specific project, the central office of the TBN will draw up a protocol with the group leading the project for the collection and maintenance of the tissue and clinicopathological data required for the proposed research. These protocols will be disseminated among the Associated Hospitals in order to gather the previously agreed number cases.
The CNIO's Molecular Pathology Programme prioritises participation in the design and development of clinical trials collaborating closely with the cancer care clinical services in the Associated Hospitals along with collaborative groups belonging to National Oncology Associations.
Biosecurity
All handling of human tissue supposes a risk of exposure to infectious agents and although they cannot be completely eliminated, they can and must be minimised as far as possible. Those in charge of the acquisition and storage of tissues in the Associated Centres and principal researchers of projects who receive samples from the TBN take full responsibility for informing and training all research and technical staff regarding appropriately on the risks and optimal preventive measures.
It is not yet possible to fully ensure the absence of high-risk agents through specific tests on all patients and samples. In fact, this data is not always indicated in the clinical history of the patient. Researchers are therefore advised to consider all samples as if they were contaminated.
Commercial use
The commercial development of products derived from tissues may give rise to problems regarding the patentability of the products thus developed. Controversies concerning the ownership and economic profitability may significantly alter the distribution of samples by the TBN, which is solely based on scientific merit and need. The team of legal experts of the CNIO will study the details of the possible commercial consequences of the use of the tissues in research. The Molecular Pathology Programme will be involved in future decisions related to this matter will adopt its decisions.
