Moving with the Times: The Health Science Alliance (HSA) Biobank, Pathway to Sustainability

Carmel M Quinn; Mamta Porwal; Nicola S Meagher; Anusha Hettiaratchi; Carl Power; Jitendra Jonnaggadala; Sue McCullough; Stephanie Macmillan; Katrina Tang; Winston Liauw; David Goldstein; Nikolajs Zeps; Philip J Crowe

doi:10.1177/11772719211005745

Moving with the Times: The Health Science Alliance (HSA) Biobank, Pathway to Sustainability

Biomark Insights. 2021 Mar 27:16:11772719211005745. doi: 10.1177/11772719211005745. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Carmel M Quinn^{1

2

3}, Mamta Porwal^{1

2

3}, Nicola S Meagher^{3

4}, Anusha Hettiaratchi⁵, Carl Power⁶, Jitendra Jonnaggadala^{1

2

3

7}, Sue McCullough⁸, Stephanie Macmillan^{1

2

3}, Katrina Tang⁹, Winston Liauw¹⁰, David Goldstein^{1

2

3

11}, Nikolajs Zeps^{12

13}, Philip J Crowe^{2

14}

Affiliations

¹ Translational Cancer Research Network (TCRN), UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
² Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
³ Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
⁴ School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁵ UNSW Biorepository, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
⁶ Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
⁷ School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁸ TCRN Consumer Advisory Panel, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
⁹ NSW Health Pathology, South-East Sydney Local Health District, NSW, Australia.
¹⁰ Cancer Care Clinic, St George Hospital, NSW, Australia.
¹¹ Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
¹² Epworth Healthcare, VIC, Australia.
¹³ Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
¹⁴ Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.

Abstract

Human biobanks are recognised as vital components of translational research infrastructure. With the growth in personalised and precision medicine, and the associated expansion of biomarkers and novel therapeutics under development, it is critical that researchers can access a strong collection of patient biospecimens, annotated with clinical data. Biobanks globally are undertaking transformation of their operating models in response to changing research needs; transition from a 'classic' model representing a largely retrospective collection of pre-defined specimens to a more targeted, prospective collection model, although there remains a research need for both models to co-exist. Here we introduce the Health Science Alliance (HSA) Biobank, established in 2012 as a classic biobank, now transitioning to a hybrid operational model. Some of the past and current challenges encountered are discussed including clinical annotation, specimen utilisation and biobank sustainability, along with the measures the HSA Biobank is taking to address these challenges. We describe new directions being explored, going beyond traditional specimen collection into areas involving bioimages, microbiota and live cell culture. The HSA Biobank is working in collaboration with clinicians, pathologists and researchers, piloting a sustainable, robust platform with the potential to integrate future needs.

Keywords: Biobank; Biorepository; Biospecimen; Cancer research; Sustainability.