title: The CREST biorepository: a tool for molecular epidemiology and translational studies on malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory tract diseases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Biology and Genetics, University of Genoa, National Cancer Research Institute, Largo R. Benzi, 10-16132 Genoa, Italy. donatella.ugolini@istge.it
authors.forename: Donatella
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ugolini
authors.forename: Ugolini
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Donatella
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neri
authors.forename: Neri
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Monica
authors.forename: Pier Aldo
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Canessa
authors.forename: Canessa Pier
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Aldo
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Casilli
authors.forename: Casilli
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cristina
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Catrambone
authors.forename: Catrambone
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giuseppe
authors.forename: Giovanni Paolo
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Ivaldi
authors.forename: Ivaldi Giovanni
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Paolo
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lando
authors.forename: Lando
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cecilia
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marroni
authors.forename: Marroni
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paola
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paganuzzi
authors.forename: Paganuzzi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Michela
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Parodi
authors.forename: Parodi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barbara
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Visconti
authors.forename: Visconti
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Paola
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Puntoni
authors.forename: Puntoni
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Riccardo
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bonassi
authors.forename: Bonassi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stefano
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor