LIFEBANC
The BTRC in conjunction with the neurosurgery operating room staff have begun an organized collection of quality paediatric tumour tissue samples. The tissue bank was initiated two years ago through the generous support of BRAINCHILD and has been named the LIFEBANC.
Tumour tissue samples are collected at the time of surgery and are snap frozen in liquid nitrogen. Snap freezing prevents any deterioration of the tissue which allows the sample to be utilized in multiple experiments. The samples are then weighed, catalogued and stored in a cryopreservation tank. Each sample is given a number and all pertinent information is logged into a database. Patient confidentiality is maintained. The storage of brain tumour specimens has been approved by the Research Ethics Board, The Hospital for Sick Children.
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LIFEBANC is currently supplying tumour tissue for three major research projects. The creation of this tissue bank has ensured that paediatric brain tumour research will continue and that important studies and collaborations are maintained.
You can contact LIFEBANC directly by e-mailing christian.smith@sickkids.ca