Challenges and issues surrounding the use for translational research of human samples obtained during the COVID-19 pandemic from lung cancer patients

In only a few weeks after the eruption of the pandemic caused by syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the number of associated research projects worldwide increased dramatically. The continual and almost daily improvement in the information associated with this viral infection has been spectacular, notably in the areas of epidemiology, pathophysiology and therapy. This knowledge but also the many uncertainties concerning coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in particular with respect to the level of contagiousness of different samples sent to pathology and biology laboratories, rapidly effected the collection for translational research projects, notably of samples from patients with thoracic cancers. However, it is still difficult to evaluate the current and the near impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this domain. It is essential in this context to be reminded of good practice for the management of biological samples for research, notably concerning the biosafety and security procedures. Moreover, new recommendations concerning the traceability and use of human lung cancer samples from tissue and different biofluids may rapidly be issued in the near future. This review aims to discuss the new challenges and constraints encountered by pathologists, biobankers and researchers within the framework of collection and the use of samples from patients with lung cancer for research while taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic.