DONATEBIOREPOSITORY FAQs
FAQ’s for Researchers
Yes. All the processes relating to biobanking from sample collection to disbursal are approved by the institutional ethics committee.
RGCIRC Biorepository has pathology as its core department. The pathologist follows CAP guidelines for grossing and Histopathological assessment of tumors specimens. The Biorepository also follows best practices by ISBER (International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories), Canadian tumor repository network and NCI (National Cancer Institute) for tissue procurement and Cryo preservation protocols.
Standard protocol for tumor tissue is snap freezing of tumor collected within 30 to 60 minutes of surgical resection and stored in vapour phase of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196oC. Careful sampling of tumor rich and viable areas avoiding necrotic and fatty areas.
Protocol for EDTA blood and its derivatives involves collecting blood into 10ml EDTA vial and processing within 4 hours into plasma and buffy coat fractions and stored in vapour phase of liquid nitrogen at -196oC.
The process involves
1.Submitting an online sample request form.
2. Additional documents like study synopsis and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval letter to be attached with the request form.
3. The application is then reviewed by Tissue Release Board (TRB).
4. Sample access fees as per the established cost list.
5. Researcher informed regarding access fee and approval by TRB.
6. Researcher coordinates for the shipment date.
7. The cost of shipping/ courier charges to be borne by the buyer.
8. Shipment made ready along with clinical data set.
Based on the study requirement, the turnaround time can range from 1 month to 3 months Isolation of nucleic acids and molecular characterization of biosamples will require additional time.
Yes, all FFPEE blocks are checked for tumor content and percentage necrosis and reported by two certified pathologists who certify the quality of the block.
FAQ’S for Donors
A cancer biorepository is a facility that collects, stores, and manages biological samples, such as tumor tissues, blood, and DNA, from cancer patients. These samples are used for cancer research to advance our understanding of the disease and develop better treatments.
Donating your cancer tissue for research typically involves giving informed consent to your healthcare provider or a representative from the biorepository. They will explain the process, benefits, and potential risks before you make a decision.
Access to the samples is typically granted to qualified researchers and institutions after an ethical review and approval process. Access is strictly controlled to protect patient privacy and ensure ethical use.
Yes, your privacy is a top priority. Your personal and medical information is de-identified, meaning it is stripped of identifying details, and only coded samples are made available to researchers.
Samples from the biorepository are used for various types of research, including cancer genetics, drug development, biomarker discovery, and understanding the molecular basis of cancer.
Informed consent often allows you to specify how your tissue sample may be used. However, the research possibilities may be broader to benefit a wider range of studies.
The storage duration varies, but it's typically long-term to ensure that samples remain available for future research. You can inquire about the specific storage policies of the biorepository.
In many cases, you can withdraw your consent or request the destruction of your sample. However, this may not apply to data and results already generated from your sample.
Researchers typically submit research proposals, which are subject to ethical review and approval by a committee or board overseeing the biorepository. Access is granted if the proposal aligns with the biorepository's goals and ethical guidelines.
We will not be able to provide results or updates on research findings.
Contact information for the biorepository, including phone numbers and email addresses, is available on our website in the contact us tab.
