In 2018, Prashanti Cancer Care Mission initiated a breast cancer patient database and tissue repository to profile breast cancer in the Indian cohort. Recognizing the distinct nature of breast cancer in India, PCCM established a comprehensive biobank and clinical database to support cutting-edge research.
Biobank is a repository where biological samples that facilitate research studies are conserved and stored, we specifically have breast tissue biobank- Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) and Fresh Frozen (FF). The PCCM FFPE biobank, consisting of consented tissue from 1625 patients, and the Indian-origin Fresh Frozen Biobank, with over 100 samples since November 2022, have played a pivotal role in translational studies and advancing treatment strategies tailored to the Indian context.
To complement the tissue biobank, a robust clinical database was established, facilitating the tracking of breast disease patients from presentation through treatment and follow-up. This database digitizes critical data resources, including valuable follow-up clinical information, family history, and germline mutational profiles, enriching clinical data for research. Ethical considerations are paramount, with carefully crafted SOPs guiding the collection, freezing, and storage of frozen tissue.
The Prashanti Cancer Care Mission FFPE and Fresh Frozen Tumor Tissue Biobank, coupled with the clinical database, stand as pioneering assets driving forward breast cancer research in India. These endeavors not only facilitate clinical and translational studies but also contribute to the development of India-specific surgical and treatment evidence through clinical audits. They empower personalized treatment approaches and enhance our comprehension of the genetic patterns inherent in breast cancer within the Indian population.
