RSS Feeds"The purpose of the proposed National Cancer Biobank is to be a standardised, or at least defined collection of biological samples for patient-oriented research, to include hypothesis-driven collections, as well as collections for questions arising, for the ultimate improvement of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients."
The publication of the report of the Expert Group on a National Cancer Biobank was announced by Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney TD in May 2009.
A cancer biobank is a carefully managed collection of biological samples and related clinical information from anonymous donors. These samples are used by researchers in their efforts to better understand the mechanism of the disease, to develop new drugs, to assess the validity of diagnostic markers, and to devise tailor made therapies for the treatment of cancer.
In Ireland, a cancer biobank would have benefits for healthcare, the economy and research. One of the immediate benefits is the potential to enhance clinical trials and other studies which can directly benefit patient care. In the long term it is hoped that such studies will contribute to better detection, earlier intervention and improved drugs for the treatment of cancer.
Background
In June 2007, the Minister for Health nominated members for an Expert Group to develop proposals for the establishment of a National Cancer Biobank. Professor Bernadette Herity, Emeritus Professor of Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology at University College Dublin (UCD), and a former Board Member of the HRB, was invited to convene and chair a group of national and international experts, which would produce recommendations for a National Cancer Biobank and report directly to the Department of Health and Children in 2008. The HRB provided the secretariat for the group.
A draft report was produced in March 2008. An extensive stakeholder consultation followed, and the finalised report was published in May 2009.
Details of the members and Terms of Reference of the working group can be found on the Department of Health and Children website with the following link:
http://www.dohc.ie/working_groups/Current/biobank/
Key findings
Some of the reports key findings include:
- A National Cancer Biobank should be established.
- It should align with the eight cancer centres established under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and the main paediatric hospital providing cancer care for children.
- Adequate infrastructures and dedicated specialist personnel at each sample collection point are essential.
- It is important to embed biobanking activities within day to day clinical practice.
- Protection of the privacy and confidentiality of patients is fundamental.
