The CREST biorepository: a tool for molecular epidemiology and translational studies on malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory tract diseases.
OBJECTIVE
The Cancer of RESpiratory Tract (CREST) biorepository was established to investigate biological mechanisms and to develop tools and strategies for primary and secondary prevention of respiratory tract cancer. The CREST biorepository is focused on pleural malignant mesothelioma, a rare and severe cancer linked to asbestos exposure whose incidence is particularly high in the Ligurian region.


METHODS
The CREST biorepository includes biological specimens from (a) patients with pleural malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, (b) patients with nonneoplastic respiratory conditions, and (c) control subjects. Whole blood, plasma, serum, lymphocytes, pleural fluid, saliva, and biopsies are collected, and a questionnaire is administered. Collection, transportation, and storage are done according to international standards.


RESULTS
As of January 31, 2008, the overall number of subjects recruited was 1,590 (446 lung cancer, 209 pleural malignant mesothelioma, and 935 controls). The biorepository includes a total of 10,055 aliquots (4,741 serum; 3,082 plasma; 1,599 whole blood; 633 pleural fluid; and 561 lymphocytes) and 107 biopsies. Demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic information is collected for each subject and processed in a dedicated database.


CONCLUSIONS
The CREST biorepository is a valuable tool for molecular epidemiology and translational studies. This structure relies on a network of contacts with local health districts that allows for an active search for patients. This is a particularly efficient approach, especially when the object of the study is a rare cancer type. The CREST experience suggests that the presence of limited resources can be overcome by the biorepository specialization, the high quality of the epidemiologic information, and the variety of samples.
Ugolini
Donatella
D
Department of Oncology, Biology and Genetics, University of Genoa, National Cancer Research Institute, Largo R. Benzi, 10-16132 Genoa, Italy. donatella.ugolini@istge.it
Donatella
Ugolini
U
Neri
Monica
M
Monica
Neri
N
Canessa
Pier Aldo
PA
Aldo
Canessa Pier
CP
Casilli
Cristina
C
Cristina
Casilli
C
Catrambone
Giuseppe
G
Giuseppe
Catrambone
C
Ivaldi
Giovanni Paolo
GP
Paolo
Ivaldi Giovanni
IG
Lando
Cecilia
C
Cecilia
Lando
L
Marroni
Paola
P
Paola
Marroni
M
Paganuzzi
Michela
M
Michela
Paganuzzi
P
Parodi
Barbara
B
Barbara
Parodi
P
Visconti
Paola
P
Paola
Visconti
V
Puntoni
Riccardo
R
Riccardo
Puntoni
P
Bonassi
Stefano
S
Stefano
Bonassi
B
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014015:Tissue Banks / Q000941:ethics
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor