Donor’s breast tissue samples, blood samples, as well as data about the donor’s breast cancer are all stored in this revolutionary new bank. Researchers can apply for tissue samples via an online portal with an advanced bioinformatics facility, whatever their funding stream or location in the UK or Ireland. The bank is funded by research charity Breast Cancer Campaign.
The bank enables researchers to collect crucial data about the cancer and its characteristics, treatments, and patient’s family history. In addition, over time, researchers will be able to gather data on the effectiveness of treatments as well as disease progression or recurrence.
Historically, a major challenge in translating science into new treatments has been easy access to materials and suitable tissue samples for breast cancer research.
The Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank was established after a review conducted by Breast Cancer Campaign revealed that the main obstacle in breast cancer research progress was shortage of good quality tissue. Researchers could spend several months finding suitable tissue samples for their research, increasing the time needed to convert these findings into patient benefit. The review involved over 50 leading breast cancer researchers in the world.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive, Breast Cancer Campaign, explained:
“Breast cancer researchers in the UK and Ireland have been crying out for this resource for many years. The Tissue Bank will provide a source of precious human breast tissue and puts an end to the serious access problems of the past.
We are so grateful to all the women and men who have donated their tissue to the Bank and the support from founding partners Asda’s Tickled Pink and the charity Walk the Walk which have both donated £2 million to make this project happen. With their help this unique new initiative will revolutionize breast cancer research and ultimately save lives.”
Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, said:
“The Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank is a fantastic example of how an innovative idea from researchers can become a reality. Collaborative working between the voluntary sector, universities and the NHS has culminated in a unique project that will not only make a real difference to scientists, but also has the potential to improve health and save lives.”
Professor Alastair Thompson, Chair of the Tissue Bank Management Board and Professor of Surgical Oncology, University of Dundee, explained:
“We hope that in the next decade the Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank will have the same impact as the use of drugs such as tamoxifen, radiotherapy, good quality surgery and chemotherapy in reducing mortality for breast cancer.
Around 47,700 women and 300 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. We hope that the day will come when everyone diagnosed with the disease is given the opportunity to donate this precious commodity to our Tissue Bank, it is vital to research and vital to a cure.”
Approximately 2,500 patient samples are currently stored in the bank. Individuals with the disease are asked to consent to donate their tissue at diagnosis. As only the tissue not required for diagnosis is donated to the Bank, this does not impact patients’ diagnosis or treatment.
Currently tissue can only be donated at the collaborating centers, The University of Dundee/NHS Tayside, University of Nottingham/Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Leeds and The Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London/Barts and the London NHS Trust. However, in the coming months, new collaborating center will be joining the network.
Written by Grace Rattue