4.4. Tissue and Blood Sample Acquisition
NCBs, Tumor, necrotic
TUMOR, NECROTIC
Tumor tissue from the largest (≥2 cm) or most easily accessible metastatic lesion (liver or other site if previously approved by the sponsor-investigator) was collected by percutaneous needle core biopsy (NCB) under radiological guidance using a biopsy gun fitted with a 16- or 18-gauge needle. A minimum of three NCBs were collected from the periphery of the lesion in an attempt to avoid the typically necrotic core. The first two biopsies were transferred to either an empty cryovial and immediately snap frozen in liquid nitrogen or a vial filled with RNA-Later RNA stabilizing reagent (Qiagen, Montreal, QC, Canada). The third biopsy was placed in a jar of neutrally buffered formalin. Samples were shipped the same day under appropriate conditions to the Q-CROC/Exactis central laboratory, where they were processed (including embedding in optimal cutting temperature [OCT] medium) for histological assessment and extraction of genomic material. Peripheral blood samples (approximately 8–16 mL) were collected in 4 mL BD Vacutainer