Sampling Prostate Cancer Tissue for Biobanking: An MRI-guided Targeted Technique to Remove Biopsy Punches from Fresh Tumor Tissue

Biobanking involves the collection and storage of biological tissue specimens or fluids for research purposes. To biobank prostate cancer specimens, first, obtain an axial or transverse plane MRI image of the prostate to identify the tumor. Subsequently, obtain the corresponding coronal or frontal image to mark the accurate tumor location.

Next, collect the tumor-bearing prostate. Using tissue-marking inks, paint the left and the right side of the organ to denote surgical margins and identify the correct orientation of tissue pieces during subsequent sampling.

Place the marked prostate on a pre-assembled slicing apparatus such that its base and apex face the opposite walls, the posterior side faces down, and the anterior side faces up. Place pins around the prostate to obtain a tight fit.

Measure the prostate length from base to apex. Compare it with the coronal image to spot the tumor position. Locate the pins closest to the tumor region. Fit slicing blades on either side of the marked pins. Cut the tissue to obtain a transverse slice carrying the tumor.

Using the axial MRI image as a guide, locate the tumor on the slice. Punch out the desired area of the tumor. Store the specimen for downstream biobanking applications.