HeCOG Cancer Biobank and Registry: a nationwide real-world resource for translational oncology research
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Long-standing cooperative oncology groups are uniquely positioned to generate high-quality real-world data in diverse tumor types. The Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG), a nonprofit scientific organization, has established a multi-institutional clinical database and biobank to support translational cancer research and precision oncology initiatives. Our aim was to describe the structure, governance and operation of HeCOG Biobank and patient registry. Materials and methods: The HeCOG clinical database is a centralized, web-based platform that supports interventional, observational, real-world and translational studies across affiliated institutions. Clinical data are linked to biospecimens stored in the HeCOG Biobank, preserved at the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology. Biospecimen collection, processing, storage, and data handling are governed by standardized operating procedures. Results: To date, the registry includes >54 000 patients with diverse tumors, enrolled retrospectively and prospectively. The associated biobank comprises >17 000 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples and >6000 blood-derived specimens. The largest tissue collections are from breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. Molecular and histopathological biomarker data are also available for several thousand patients within the registry. Biospecimens are uniquely coded and linked to pseudonymized longitudinal clinical, histopathological, and molecular data. Ongoing expansion includes digital pathology and radiological imaging datasets, further enhancing the translational potential of the resource. Conclusions: The HeCOG Biobank and the accompanying clinical database have evolved into a valuable resource for translational cancer research in Greece. Through the ongoing integration of digital pathology, imaging data, and artificial intelligence-based approaches it provides a strong basis for precision oncology and collaborative national and international research.
Authors: E. Fountzilas, K. Papadopoulou, G.-A. Koliou, T. Papapavlou, D. Pectasides, C. Christodoulou, E. Samantas, D. Bafaloukos, G. Aravantinos, P.A. Kosmidis, H.P. Kalofonos, J. Sgouros, P. Papakostas, E. Razis, T. Economopoulos, N. Zamboglou, A. Koutras, G. Pentheroudakis, F. Zagouri, H. Linardou, A. Christopoulou, D. Papamichael, P. Skarlos, A. Batistatou, A. Goussia, H.P. Kourea, S. Pervana, O. Tzaida, K. Petraki, K. Pavlakis, P. Arapantoni-Dadioti, T. Koletsa, V. Kotoula, N. Pavlidis, H. Gogas, A. Psyrri, G. Fountzilas
Institutions: European University Cyprus, St. Luke's Hospital, Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group, Hippocration General Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital, Hygeia Hospital, University of Patras, University General Hospital Attikon, Limassol General Hospital, University of Ioannina, University Hospital of Ioannina, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, General University Hospital of Patras, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Metaxa Hospital, Henry Dunant Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,170
OpenAlex ID: W7221560228