[Biobanking: the basis for molecular research in uro-oncology].

OBJECTIVES: The advances in cancer translational research, as well as the study of its changes and interactions, depend basically on the procurement of case series (individuals affected and non affected controls) which supply high quality samples and other associated data. Biobanks have shown they are indispensable tools for the advance of uro-oncological research. METHODS: Bibliographic review based on biobanks with focus on Urology. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Well-organized, large biobanks are a key element in research in Uro-oncology. The integration of theses resources with molecular sciences and various "omics", together with powerful available bioinformatic tools enable the advance in the knowledge of development of uro-oncological diseases, with strong implications at the time of very advanced therapeutic strategies. However,in Spain, these valuable collections of tissue material and biological fluids are usually not much in use, mainly due to fragmentation, low accessibility, lack of proper management strategies (such as lack of consensus about standard operative procedures), limited specific policies of use and distribution, as well as lack of a comprehensive base in which the research needs are reflected under interdisciplinar and multi-institutional focus. We must add the frequent ignorance of the high scientific potential of these institutions in the urological world. The development of the Spanish National Plan of Biobanks brings light for the better use of these materials by the uro-oncological community. We present a general view on the biobank topic, which may serve as a model for future debates about their use in uro-oncology. This approach is based in data from the literature and results of discussions in various international forums.