Development of a live tissue sarcoma biobank to support the creation of patient-derived translational models

Introduction - Sarcoma are malignant mesenchymal neoplasms, of which at least 100 different subtypes have been defined. Heterogeneity is not only present in between sarcoma subtypes, but also intra-tumoural, meaning that 1 tumour can harbour a multitude of different tumour cells. The combination of this disease’s rarity and heterogeneity complicates translational research and the implementation of randomised clinical trials. Our goal is to collect enough sarcoma samples to enable further histotype-specific research by establishing cell cultures and murine models. Materials & Methods - Patients suspected of suffering from sarcomatous tumours in Ghent University Hospital were offered to participate in tissue collection. During biopsy, spare tumour material was cut into approximately 1mm3 pieces and frozen to -80°C using a mix of 90% fetal bovine serum and 10% DMSO as freezing medium and a Mr. Frosty freezing container (Thermofisher). Afterwards, vials were transported to liquid nitrogen for long term storage. The same preservation methods were used for samples of resected tumours and metastases. Some tumours were sampled from 4 different locations within the lesion to enable research on intratumoural heterogeneity. Cell lines were created following an established tumour processing protocol. Murine models were created by the orthotopic implantation of a patient’s tumour tissue in a mouse’s hindleg. Results - In total, 155 different patients were included in the Ghent University Hospital Sarcoma Biobank over a period of 3 years. The collected samples consist of 52 primary soft tissue sarcomas, 38 primary bone tumours, 6 metastatic samples, and 57 non-sarcomatous lesions. Of all the sarcomatous lesions included, chondrosarcoma was the most abundant with 24 samples, followed by undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma 14 samples) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (10 samples). Cell cultures and murine models were created for several samples, including for 4 locations within a specific malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, along with its metastatic lung and lymph node sample. Conclusion - The Ghent University Hospital Tumour Biobank enables large-scale research on low-incidence, heterogenous sarcomatous tumours. We believe the prospective collection of tumour material may enable further exploration in both the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients suffering from sarcoma through cell cultures and murine models.