Tissue Banks

We systematically collect primary and metastatic tissue samples from an array of cancer types to support current and future research.

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We host a range of local and national tissue banks that collect samples from patients with different types of cancer. Working closely with our clinical partners, including Barts Health NHS Trust, we have developed a valuable resource that supports cancer research.

Our tissue banks provide clinically and pathologically well-characterised samples, together with associated data, to researchers worldwide. They support studies into biomarkers, treatment response, early detection and disease progression, enabling research using real patient samples.

Barts Cancer Institute local tissue banks

The Barts Cancer Institute Tissue Bank (BCITB) is an integrated bioresource comprising three specialised local tissue banks. Our mission is to provide high-quality, clinically-annotated research samples to support a wide range of basic and translational research programmes aimed at improving cancer patient outcomes. Click through to learn more about each one or contact the tissue bank manager Lucy Gentles with any queries.

Haemato-Oncology Tissue Bank

Supporting research into blood cancers, the Haemato-Oncology Tissue Bank collects primary samples from patients with known or suspected haematological malignancies.

Barts Gynae Tissue Bank

The Barts Gynae Tissue Bank collects primary samples from individuals with gynaecological malignancies and pre-malignant conditions.

Cancer Tissue Bank

The Cancer Tissue Bank is a dedicated research collaboration aiming to collect and provide tissues from all cancer types, including liver, prostate, breast and secondary disease.

National tissue banks

The Barts Cancer Institute acts as the co-ordinating centre for three national cancer tissue banks.

Breast Cancer Now Biobank

The Breast Cancer Now Biobank (BCNB) is the UK’s largest unique collection of high-quality breast tissue, breast cells and blood samples from breast cancer patients.

Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund Tissue Bank

The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund Tissue Bank is an international resource for pancreatic cancer samples.

Robert Lane Tissue Bank

A male cancer tissue bank funded by ORCHID, which holds samples from people with prostate, testis, penile, kidney or bladder cancer.