System Maintenance Notice

Please note that maintenance work is scheduled between 4 AM and 5 AM - CET. During this time, you may experience reduced performance. Thanks for your patience.

Publications

Journal Article Consensus Statement Practice Guideline Review Ppublish

PubMed: 42731958 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2026.08.021

AISP position statement: Standardising biological sample collection and handling for advanced diagnostics and multi-omic analyses in pancreatic cancer.

Dig Liver Dis 58(11):1377-1388

Authors: Paola Cappello, Manuel Gentiluomo, Elisa Giovannetti, Enza Lonardo, Claudio Luchini, Federica Marchesi, Carlo Carnaghi, Salvatore Paiella, Silvia Carrara

Affiliations

  • Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44b, 10126, Torino, Italy; Center of Molecular Biotechnology "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy.
  • Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
  • Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza ONLUS, via Giovannini 13, San Giuliano Terme 56017, Italy; Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
  • Gastrointestinal Cancer Lab, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR, Via P. Castellino, 111 Napoli, Italy.
  • Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy.
  • Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
  • Department of Medical Oncology, Humanitas Istituto Clinico Catanese, Contrada Cubba, SP54 n.11, 95045 Misterbianco, Catania, Italy.
  • Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy.
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milano, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Gastroenterology Department, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milano, Italy.

Abstract

The quality of biological samples is a major determinant of analytical reliability and translational relevance in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, variability in specimen procurement, handling, transport, processing, and storage can substantially affect tissue integrity and the robustness of downstream analyses. This paper, promoted by the Pathology and Basic Science Task Force of the Italian Association for the Study of the Pancreas (AISP), brings together experts in pathology, molecular biology, translational research, medical oncology, and gastroenterology to provide practical recommendations for the collection, handling, and pre-analytical management of biological samples. Draft recommendations were discussed during dedicated working group meetings and approved by consensus among all authors, supported by key literature. The document identifies the biological specimen as the critical link between patient care, pathology, and research, and provides guidance for clinicians and professionals involved in sample procurement and processing. By addressing the requirements of different analytical platforms, including genomics, organoid generation, immunophenotyping, pharmacogenomics, and multiplex/spatial analyses, this paper aims to reduce pre-analytical variability, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enhance the clinical and translational value of molecular investigations in pancreatic cancer. Standardised procedures across centres may facilitate comparable data collection, support multicentre studies, and strengthen collaboration between clinicians, pathologists, and research laboratories.

MeSH

Pancreatic Neoplasms, Genomics, Translational Research, Biomedical, Neoplasms, Pathology, Multiple Chronic Conditions, Specimen Handling, Research