Biopathology at IHU RespirERA

The Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology (LPCE), located at the Nice University Hospital (CHU de Nice) and directed by Professor Paul Hofman, is a leading player in modern biopathology. Since its inception in 2004, the LPCE has combined renowned expertise in thoracic pathology with innovative techniques in molecular pathology and liquid biopsies.

Areas of Expertise

The LPCE stands out across several primary pillars:

• Clinical Pathology :
  The LPCE performs a wide range of anatomical and cytological diagnoses, handling an annual volume of 5,000 surgical specimens and 1,500 cytological examinations. It is recognized as an expert laboratory in several specialized pathologies through national networks:
  • MESOPATH: French network for mesothelioma diagnosis
  • RYTHMIC: National network for thymic epithelial tumors (thymomas).
  • RAPID: National network for diffuse interstitial lung diseases.
• Molecular Pathology :
  The LPCE conducts advanced genetic analyses, particularly in lung cancers. It was the first French laboratory to receive COFRAC accreditation (ISO 15189) for molecular pathology in 2013 and for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in 2017. It develops large-scale NGS CGP panels.
• Liquid Biopsy :
  Advanced techniques for analyzing Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (cfDNA), with an annual activity of over 600 blood samples analyzed.

• Innovative Technologies: Multiplexing and AI for the precise identification of tumor biomarkers.

Côte d’Azur Biobank

The LPCE hosts the Integrated Biobank of the Nice University Hospital (ISO 20387 certified), providing a unique resource of biological samples (tissues, plasma, serum, urine, etc.) to researchers and industry partners. Ranked first in France for lung cancer by the INCa (French National Cancer Institute), this biobank is essential for biomedical research and therapeutic development.

Research and Innovation

In close collaboration with the IRCAN fundamental research team (Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging), the LPCE develops predictive biomarkers and resistance markers for treatments, specifically for targeted therapies and immunotherapies in lung cancer.

Education and Training

The LPCE is committed to several excellence programs:

• European Master in Molecular Pathology (EMMP)
• Master in Biobanking and Complex Data Management
• Continuing and specialized training for pathology residents

Key Figures

• Over 900 scientific publications, with approximately 45 articles published annually in high-impact journals.
• 2,000 molecular tests per year for more than 600 patients.
• 5,000 surgical samples and 1,500 cytological examinations performed annually.

Certification and Recognition

• First French facility accredited to ISO 15189 for both anatomical and molecular pathology.
• Biobank accredited to ISO 20387 since 2023.

Contacts

• Professor Paul Hofman, Director
• Email: hofman.p@chu-nice.fr
• Website biobank06.com