To ensure high-quality bioresources and standardize biobanks, there is an urgent need to develop and disseminate educational training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, which was developed in 2018. The standardization of biobank education programs is also required to train biobank experts. The subdivision of categories and levels of education is necessary for jobs such as operations manager (bank president), quality manager, practitioner, and administrator. Essential training includes programs tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, along with customized training for operations managers. We reviewed and studied ways to develop an appropriate range of education and training opportunities for standard biobanking education and the training of experts based on KS J ISO 20387. We propose more systematic and professional biobanking training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, in addition to the certification programs of the National Biobank and the Korean Laboratory Accreditation System. We suggest various training programs appropriate to a student’s affiliation or work, such as university biobanking specialized education, short-term job training at unit biobanks, biobank research institute symposiums by the Korean Society of Pathologists, and education programs for biobankers and researchers. Through these various education programs, we expect that Korean biobanks will satisfy global standards, meet the needs of users and researchers, and contribute to the advancement of science.

To ensure high-quality bioresources and standardize biobanks, there is an urgent need to develop and disseminate educational training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, which was developed in 2018. The standardization of biobank education programs is also required to train biobank experts. The subdivision of categories and levels of education is necessary for jobs such as operations manager (bank president), quality manager, practitioner, and administrator. Essential training includes programs tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, along with customized training for operations managers. We reviewed and studied ways to develop an appropriate range of education and training opportunities for standard biobanking education and the training of experts based on KS J ISO 20387. We propose more systematic and professional biobanking training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, in addition to the certification programs of the National Biobank and the Korean Laboratory Accreditation System. We suggest various training programs appropriate to a student’s affiliation or work, such as university biobanking specialized education, short-term job training at unit biobanks, biobank research institute symposiums by the Korean Society of Pathologists, and education programs for biobankers and researchers. Through these various education programs, we expect that Korean biobanks will satisfy global standards, meet the needs of users and researchers, and contribute to the advancement of science.

To ensure high-quality bioresources and standardize biobanks, there is an urgent need to develop and disseminate educational training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, which was developed in 2018. The standardization of biobank education programs is also required to train biobank experts. The subdivision of categories and levels of education is necessary for jobs such as operations manager (bank president), quality manager, practitioner, and administrator. Essential training includes programs tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, along with customized training for operations managers. We reviewed and studied ways to develop an appropriate range of education and training opportunities for standard biobanking education and the training of experts based on KS J ISO 20387. We propose more systematic and professional biobanking training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, in addition to the certification programs of the National Biobank and the Korean Laboratory Accreditation System. We suggest various training programs appropriate to a student’s affiliation or work, such as university biobanking specialized education, short-term job training at unit biobanks, biobank research institute symposiums by the Korean Society of Pathologists, and education programs for biobankers and researchers. Through these various education programs, we expect that Korean biobanks will satisfy global standards, meet the needs of users and researchers, and contribute to the advancement of science.

Background: This study aimed to document the patterns, challenges, and opportunities for biobank utilization within the Female Breast and Genital Disease with Microbiome Biobank Network (FDMNet) in South Korea. Annual surveys (2022–2024) assessed researcher awareness, utilization patterns, barriers to access, research requirements, and interest in microbiome research. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed to staff members at five university hospitals participating in FDMNet. Data from 155 respondents across 3 years were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Qualitative feedback was examined using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection and natural language processing to identify the thematic clusters of user challenges. Results: Despite high engagement with biobank resources (76% of the respondents), declining participation rates and interinstitutional collaborations were observed, particularly in 2024, amid the nationwide healthcare crisis. The major barriers to utilization included complex access procedures (31.0%), lack of process knowledge (23.9%), and concerns about Institutional Review Board approval (11.6%). Breast neoplasms (12.3%) and female genital neoplasms (11.0%) were the primary research interests, with blood (24.5%) and tissue (23.9%) samples being the most requested specimens. Most respondents (66.5%) expressed interest in microbiome research but reported insufficient knowledge. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for streamlined access procedures, improved researcher education, enhanced clinical data integration, and stronger governance structures to overcome existing barriers to biobank utilization. These insights can guide strategic improvements in biobank operations and resource allocation to serve the evolving needs of the research community better.

Fibrin-associated large B-cell lymphoma (FA-LBCL) is an extremely rare subtype of LBCL that consists of microscopic aggregates of atypical large B cells in the background of fibrin. Here, we report the first case of FA-LBCL in Korea. A 57-year-old male presented with a large amount of thrombus in the thoracic aorta during follow-up for graft replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta 8 years prior. The removed thrombus, measuring 4.3 × 3.1 cm, histologically exhibited eosinophilic fibrinous material with several small clusters of atypical lymphoid cells at the periphery. The atypical cells were positive for CD20 by immunohistochemistry and for Epstein-Barr virus by in situ hybridization. The Ki-67 proliferation rate was 85%. The patient was still alive with no recurrence at the 7-year follow-up after thrombectomy. Although the diagnosis can be very difficult and challenging due to its paucicellular features, pathologists should be aware of FALBCL, which has likely been underestimated in routine evaluations of thrombi.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a major non-melanoma skin cancer, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Although the main etiology is sun exposure, BCC may develop in sun-protected areas such as the vulva. The sonic hedgehog signaling pathway mutation may explain the mechanism underlying the occurrence of vulvar BCC. Owing to the rarity of metastases, wide local excision is an appropriate treatment option. Here, we report the cases two postmenopausal women with vulvar BCC who were surgically treated.