Why consider donation?
The long term goal of research into childhood malignancies is to reduce the incidence of cancer and to improve the outlook of children suffering with this disease. However, such research is dependent upon the availability of cancer specimens for the scientists to study. The Tumour Bank offers scientists from around the world a central location to seek a large number and variety of samples for their research.
What is the tissue used for?
Tumour Bank samples are used to facilitate what is known as ‘translational research’. Translational research is the interactions between scientists and physicians that facilitates ‘translation’ of molecular, cellular or genetic research findings to improvements in diagnosis, treatment or prevention of cancer. Please see our Research page for specific research projects we have facilitated.
What does donation involve?
Following a clinical procedure such as a bone marrow aspirate or tumour biopsy, residual or left over samples are stored until the parent and child are approached by the Tumour Bank Clinical Research Associate in person or by letter and telephone. The Tumour Bank is explained in detail, and then parents are given an information sheet to read in their own time. If they agree, they sign a consent form stating that their child’s residual samples are to be donated to the Tumour Bank for research purposes.
For further information, or to obtain a copy of our Information Sheet and Consent Form, please call our Clinical Research Associate on 02 9845 1214, or email tumourb@chw.edu.au
Ethical considerations
The Tumour Bank is committed to ensuring that the collection of research biospecimens does not interfere with patient care and that the privacy and confidentiality of all volunteer donors are maintained. Tumour Bank staff sign confidentiality agreements and are trained to follow proper procedures when dealing with identifying information. Patient identity or other identifying information cannot be provided to investigators.
To ensure that proposed research meets scientific and ethical standards as governed by the law and mandated by ethical bodies, all requests for biospecimens and clinical data are reviewed by the Tumour Bank Committee, on a timely basis. All current Tumour Bank procedures are based on published World’s Best Practices for Biobanking (RAND Report 2003). The Tumour Bank abides by a number of laws and guidelines, when obtaining consent and storing patient samples. These include:
- The NSW Human Tissue Act
- The NSW Privacy Act
- The National Health and Medical Research Council National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
