What is a research biorepository?
Several ethically approved research biorepositories are currently in operation on the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) campus.
A research biorepository may go under a differing title (eg a tissue bank, a biobank, a tumour bank or a human biological material collection), however their objective is the same.
Their objective is to provide a resource for researchers to use to advance understanding of human health and disease. Research biorepositories are important for:
- understanding the risk factors that underlie complex diseases
- translating biomedical research into real improvements in health care, especially through advances in pharmacogenomics and personalised medicine, to minimise adverse drug reactions and ultimately the development of more effective therapies and outcomes for patients with malignant disease.
Research Biorepository Governance Framework
Metro South Health has established a comprehensive Research Biorepository Governance Framework which contains a policy and procedures.
Our research biorepositories
Collection types currently held within Metro South Health include the following cancer types:
- haematological malignancies (eg leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma)
- head and neck
- skin cancer and melanoma (phenotypically characterised equivocal melanocytic proliferations)
- oesophageal, gastric and gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST)
- melanoma and soft tissue
- brain tumour
- liver
- kidney
Accessing material from a research biorepository
- Researchers can contact the principal investigator or laboratory manager of the specific research biorepositories directly to discuss processes for accessing samples.
- The research biorepository contact will describe the process to access materials in compliance in compliance with the Metro South Health Research Biorepository Governance Framework.
- Please note, researchers are required to obtain institutional support and Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) ethical clearance for the research project prior to accessing samples.
- If undertaking research in Metro South Health please review information regarding the ethical clearance and research governance authorisation of research.