Poster
Presentation for ISBER meeting 2005, Seattle WA
Utilization of Archived Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded
Tissue for Research
Handorf CR, Kulkarni AL, Pfeffer LM University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory
Medicine, Tissue Services Core, Memphis, TN, USA
Background:
Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPET) represents
a valuable and vast resource that allows investigators to apply modern molecular
biological approaches to address important pathological questions. Recently
FFPET has been successfully utilized for gene expression studies. Utilization of
paraffin blocks for research depends on various factors such as storage
guidelines issued by regulatory agencies, medical/legal issues, and database
management. Clinically acquired FFPET is usually stored for 10 years following
guidelines issued by the College of American Pathologists. Many pathology groups
discard the blocks after that time. To prevent loss of this valuable resource
and to utilize the blocks for research purposes specific policies need to be
defined by regulatory organizations.
Method:
Paraffin blocks have been stored in the pathology
department at UTHSC since 1975. We are in the process of establishing a
repository of nucleic acids extracted from FFPET. We have designed two separate
policies based on tissue storage time: (1) tissues embedded more than 10 years
ago are sorted according to the diagnosis of interest and are de-identified for
research utilization; and (2) tissues embedded within last 10 years are stored
within a more comprehensive database. According to the investigator’s requests
cases of interest are retrieved and a small portion of the tissue from the
blocks is distributed.
Conclusion:
We have developed a protocol for retrieving and managing
clinically acquired FFPET in a manner supportive of research efforts, which also
maintains the materials according to patient needs and regulatory requirements.
