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. 2022 Aug 17;12(8):1323.
doi: 10.3390/jpm12081323.

The Evolution of a Large Biobank at Mass General Brigham

Natalie T Boutin  1 , Samantha B Schecter  1 , Emma F Perez  2 , Natasha S Tchamitchian  1 , Xander R Cerretani  1 , Vivian S Gainer  3 , Matthew S Lebo  1   2 , Lisa M Mahanta  1 , Elizabeth W Karlson  1   2 , Jordan W Smoller  1   4
Affiliations

The Evolution of a Large Biobank at Mass General Brigham

Natalie T Boutin et al. J Pers Med. .

Abstract

The Mass General Brigham Biobank (formerly Partners HealthCare Biobank) is a large repository of biospecimens and data linked to extensive electronic health record data and survey data. Its objective is to support and enable translational research focused on genomic, environmental, biomarker and family history associations with disease phenotypes. The Biobank has enrolled more than 135,000 participants, generated genomic data on more than 65,000 of its participants, distributed approximately 153,000 biospecimens, and served close to 450 institutional studies with biospecimens or data. Although the Biobank has been successful, based on some measures of output, this has required substantial institutional investment. In addition, several challenges are ongoing, including: (1) developing a sustainable cost model that doesn't rely as heavily on institutional funding; (2) integrating Biobank operations into clinical workflows; and (3) building a research resource that is diverse and promotes equity in research. Here, we describe the evolution of the Biobank and highlight key lessons learned that may inform other efforts to build biobanking efforts in health system contexts.

Keywords: Mass General Brigham Biobank; biobank; biorepository; personalized medicine; precision medicine; research operations; translational research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no relevant conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consent by Recruitment Method.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Biospecimen Collection by Method.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Biobank Portal Data Integration for Automated Access to Clinical Data.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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