Assessment of a tumor bank : a thirty years experience of the University of Siena (Italy)

Tumor biobank plays a pivotal role in cancer biomedical research. The collection of a high variety of biological samples, including DNA, RNA, tissues, cells, blood, plasma and other body fluids, represents a necessary step to plan new strategies in the improvement of oncological patient care. Since 1985, a consolidated experience in biobanking management has been developed at the University of Siena (Italy). During these years, some information about clinico-pathology, surgery and a high number of human bispecimens have been collected. Herein, we described our experience in sampling management to improve the cancer research and the patient care.