Tumor-Derived Model Biobanks in China: Current Status and Future Challenges

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biobanking
• Translational Research

Background:

• Tumor-derived model biobanks are essential for cancer research, encompassing patient-derived xenografts, organoids, and cell cultures.
• These models are linked to comprehensive clinical, pathological, molecular, and functional data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the landscape of tumor-derived model biobanks in China.
• To discuss international benchmarks for biobank maturity and identify areas for improvement.
• To emphasize the importance of quality transparency for resource discovery and verification.

Main Methods:

• The review summarizes representative Chinese biobank resources and enterprise platform types.
• It discusses international benchmark functions for model-biobank maturity.
• Emphasis is placed on quality transparency for external verification and resource discovery.

Main Results:

• China has seen significant expansion in patient-derived organoid and xenograft resources.
• Both clinical/academic groups and enterprise platforms contribute to model generation and data annotation.
• Current challenges include uneven public catalogues, quality descriptors, data linkage, and access mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Tumor model biobanks in China are transitioning towards translational research infrastructure.
• Strengthening minimum information fields, quality reporting, and governance is essential.
• Improved transparency and access control will facilitate the discovery and utilization of model resources for research.