Biobanking

The Biobanking Working Group is a formal working group within the Swiss Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (SSPHO). We aim to improve collection, storage, and analysis of samples of different origins in childhood cancer patients in Switzerland.

Our specific aims are:

• Development and implementation of structures to allow biobanking of samples in childhood cancer patients for future research;

• Coordination of efforts to link samples in different biobanks to each other and clinical data;

• Facilitate research projects using collected samples.

An integral part for performing collaborative research is to have samples of various origins available in rare diseases such as childhood cancer. The SSPHO Biobanking working group has been set up to promote biobanking of samples for research. A particular focus lies on nationwide germline DNA collection and linking it to curated clinical data from children with cancer treated in Switzerland.

The group consists of at least 6 members from at least 3 different centres in Switzerland. Every ordinary and extraordinary member from SSPHO can be appointed as a member. The Chair is nominated by the working group members and rotates every 3 years. Members are appointed for an undefined period.

Meetings are held at least twice per year and are initiated by the Chair or Vice-Chair. Besides the working group members, experts are invited as needed to the meetings as guests. Meetings can be face-to- face meetings or online conference calls.

Chair: Dr. Nicolas Waespe, Bern / Geneva

Vice-Chair: Dr. Willemijn Breunis, Zurich