Establishment and Management of Pediatric Tumor Tissue Bank / 대한소아혈액종양학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Current pediatric cancer research requires an organized pediatric tumor tissue bank with standardized guidelines for preparation and storage of human tumor tissue samples, white cells, serum, genomic DNA, RNA, cDNA and proteins.. Our institution established and managed pediatric tumor tissue bank for the last one year, and we want to present an overview of our experiences and guidelines. METHODS: From leukemia patients, peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirates were collected at initial diagnosis. Leukemic cells were prepared by Ficoll density-gradient centrifugation and stored at 196oC liquid nitrogen. For solid tumors, tissue cultures were performed as soon as possible after surgical excision or needle biopsy. Serum free media and primary cultured cells were collected and stored at 20degrees C and at 196degrees C, respectively. Genomic DNA, RNA and cDNA were isolated from leukemic cells and cultured solid tumor cells, and stored at 20degrees C. We also isolated genomic DNA from white blood cells of solid tumor patients and stored at 20degrees C. Finally we collected serum samples from all pediatric cancer patients at diagnosis and stored at 20degrees C. RESULTS: Among the 41 cases of leukemia and 100 cases of solid tumor patients who were diagnosed at department of pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, from August 2000 to July 2001, 26 cases (63%) of leukemia and 59 cases (59%) of solid tumor patients were registered to Pediatric Tumor Tissue Bank. Primary cell cultures were performed in 21 cases of solid tumors and were successful in 19 cases (90%). The isolated genomic DNA, RNA and cDNA were all in high quality confirmed by electrophoresis in agarose gel. CONCLUSION: The problem of tissue sample size obtained by needle biopsy could be overcome by primary cell cultures. For the effective management of pediatric tumor tissue bank, fresh tissue collection with active cooperation of surgeons, organized personnel structure, and multidisciplinary standardized guidelines are necessary.