Slide 3

Starts With Proper Collection and Storage

Genome-wide profiling requires proper sample collection and storage. This is why biopsy specimens must be collected, stored, tracked, and used according to the highest scientific and ethical standards.

Informed consent for use of cancerous biopsy specimens (or a waiver of this consent) must be in place at the time of collection.

Samples must be given an electronic, unique identifier that links the specimen to a patient, to a treatment protocol, and to the informed consent (or waiver).

Samples must be stored and retrieved following best clinical practices.

When all this is in order, a researcher can use the biopsy sample to get a genome-wide profile of the cancer.