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At 36 Michael Whitmore’s life unexpectedly changed when he fell six metres through a floor at a Sydney loft.
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The Alfred Brain Tumour Bio-databank is a stored collection of biological samples and data from patients who have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. These samples and data are used for research purposes. The bio-databank improves precision in diagnosis, treatment and management of brain tumours.
A bio-databank or biobank is a stored collection of biological samples, such as tissue and blood and health information (data) from consenting patients for research. Samples are collected from patients during surgery and treatment. Material not used for diagnosis can be stored in a bio-databank. Researchers can then apply to access samples and/or data from a bio-databank to use in ethically approved research projects.
The Alfred Brain Tumour Bio-databank (ABTB) was initiated through a partnership between Monash University’s Department of Neuroscience and the Alfred Brain Program. It is a stored collection of biological samples and data from patients who have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. These samples and data are used for research purposes.
The ABTB is situated within the Alfred Research Alliance Precinct, on the same site as The Alfred and Monash University. The ABTB team consists of neurologists, neurosurgeons, a neuropathologist, a nurse, oncologists and researchers, and its members are directly involved in the care of adults with brain tumours. This group of diseases are a great challenge for both patients and clinicians, and despite major advances in surgery and other therapies, the prognosis for many patients remains poor. Clearly, more research to develop better treatments is needed. In only its first year, the ABTB has consented over 100 patients who have generously donated data, tissue and blood samples. Incredibly, the ABTB is already enabling researchers to study the molecular and genetic features underlying brain tumour development and its response to treatment.
The key to the early success of the Alfred Brain Tumour Bio-databank has been an emphasis on collaboration – between patients, families, treating clinicians and researchers. Into the future this approach, through the maintenance and application of this powerful resource, will reveal a path to better outcomes for patients affected by these diseases.
Find out more about participating in the Alfred Brain Tumour Bio-databank.
The Alfred Brain Tumour Bio-databank has been approved by the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee, approval number 579/18
At 36 Michael Whitmore’s life unexpectedly changed when he fell six metres through a floor at a Sydney loft.