Methodology for processing mastectomy and cryopreservation of breast cancer tissue in a resource- poor setting: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: There is scarcity of breast cancer tissues derived from women of African origin available for patient - derived xenograft and organoid models.

Objective: We aim to create a versatile protocol for processing mastectomy and cryopreservation of breast cancer tissue.

Methodology: An immediate collection of breast cancer tissue from mastectomy was bathed in 4 °C HBSS and immediately transferred to 4 °C RPMI1640 containing HEPES, 10% FBS, Streptomycin and Penicillin. Tissues were processed over ice yielding nine samples of cold ischemic time (20-45 min) stored at 3 min interval. Cut samples were transferred into cryovials containing 4 °C cryoprotectant agent (90% FBS +10% Me₂SO) before snap -freezing in liquid Nitrogen vapour and final short-term storage in -80 °C Freezer. The histomorphology, tissue and molecular viability were assessed.

Results: The cold ischemic times had no detrimental effect to the nine samples despite being processed in a resource poor setting, hence providing a reproducible and reliable protocol.