PERCEPTION AND KNOWLEDGE OF BRAIN TUMOR BANKING AMONG CANADIAN NEUROSURGEONS

Brain tumor banking provides an important resource for understanding the underlying pathophysiology of brain tumors. It requires a multidisciplinary team, including neurosurgeons who must recognize the importance of these banks and actively contribute. The perceptions and involvement of neurosurgeons regarding Canadian brain tumor banking remains to be studied. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to 1) assess current Canadian tumor tissue banking practices 2) determine the perception of neurosurgeons towards brain tumor tissue banks, and 3) uncover obstacles to tissue sample access. METHODS: A 26 question survey was conducted using Qualtrics and distributed to 178 Canadian neurosurgeons. Questions pertained to respondent demographics, tissue samples being banked, funding, and collaboration. RESULTS: 35 neurosurgeons completed the survey (19.66%). The majority of respondents treated adult populations (65.71%) and practiced in Ontario (57.14%). Most centers banked a variety of primary and metastatic brain tumors. 25.00% of respondents stated that their center collaborates with others. Personal communication was the most frequently stated method (58.33%) used to raise awareness of tumor banks. Funding was the most commonly mentioned obstacle to successful banking (70.37%). Banks are funded through research grants (30.76%), departmental support (30.76%), government funding (11.54%) and donations (26.92%). CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated neurosurgeons’ perceptions of brain tumor banking and the state of Canadian tumor banking. Despite numerous centers banking a variety of brain tumors, collaboration between institutes was limited. The greatest perceived obstacle is funding. Canadian brain banking may benefit from improved communication, collaboration, and funding.