Elaboration of a national biobank for the study of gestational trophoblastic diseases

Aim. -To generate a national biobank made up of samples of the highest quality for the purpose of inciting basic research on gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD). Material and methods. -Three priority axes of research were defined to optimize the nature, method of collection, and storage of the samples. These are: to enhance our understanding of GTD, develop new diagnostic tests, and identify new therapeutic targets. The protocol for patient inclusion and sample processing was determined after extensive literature review and collaboration with international experts in the field of GTD. Results. -For each patient with a GTD and for control patients (legally induced abortions), chorionic villi, decidua and tumor samples (fresh, immersed in RNA-protective solution and fixed in formaldehyde), blood (serum, plasma, RNA, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells), urine (supernatant), and cell cultures of villous cytotrophoblasts are prospectively collected. Associations are then made between the collected samples and numerous clinical and biological data, such as human chorionic gonadotropic plasma levels following curettage in the case of a hydatidiform mole. Conclusion. -Such a collection of high quality samples and their associated data open up new perspectives for both national and international collaborative research projects. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.