Accuracy of Molecular Data Generated with FFPE Biospecimens: Lessons from the Literature

摘要: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue biospecimens are a valuable resource for molecular cancer research. Although much can be gained from their use, it remains unclear whether the genomic expression profiles obtained FFPE accurately reflect physiologic condition of patient which they were procured, or if such confounded by biologic effects formalin fixation processing. To assess accuracy data generated with specimens, we surveyed literature articles investigating endpoints in case-matched fresh frozen human using National Cancer Institute's Biospecimen Research Database (http://biospecimens.cancer.gov/brd). Results survey revealed that level concordance between differentially preserved varied among analytical parameters platforms but also reports, genes/transcripts interest, tumor status. The identified techniques resulted strong correlations may provide guidance when optimizing protocols use; however, discrepancies reported similar assays illustrate importance validating optimized use specimens cohort each platform, gene transcript, processing regime. On basis evidence published to date, validation properly handled is necessary ensure high degree confidence results biospecimens.