Prostate cancer biobanking

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review is intended to provide an overview of 'best practices' pertaining to prostate biobanking. It addresses issues related to collection and appropriate annotation of prostate samples, ethics and administrative aspects of biorepository functioning.

Recent findings: Paraffin tissue microarrays have emerged as a significant mechanism for high throughput evaluation of markers of interest. In addition, modification of guidelines and definitions of 'human research' have served to provide mechanisms for expediting biological specimen disbursement.

Summary: A well developed biobank is a critical prerequisite for high-quality research. This review provides an outline of certain critical elements that would need careful attention as a prostate cancer biobank is developed.