Data Set

Biospecimen Collection and Banking Core (BC^2)

The Biospecimen Collection and Banking Core, or BC^2, merges the Tissue Procurement Core, the Komen Tissue Bank, and the biobanking efforts of the Clinical Trials Office and the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN). The core supports cancer research by providing comprehensive biospecimen management, including: collection, storage, distribution, annotation (in collaboration with others).

The Tissue Procurement & Distribution (TPD) team collects fresh, frozen, and formalin fixed paraffin-embedded malignant solid tumors as well as histologically normal adjacent tissue, whole blood, plasma, serum and cellular (MNC/DMA) components; bone marrow aspirate; urine; pleural and paracentesis fluid. Clinical annotation associated with collected samples, including demographics, medical, family, and social history, medical treatment, pathological diagnosis, and ancillary studies, is maintained in a secure database. Additional data can be collected from consented patients as needed for an approved project.

The Komen Tissue Bank (KTB) at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only normal breast tissue biorepository of its kind in the world, making it uniquely positioned to characterize the molecular and genetic basis of normal breast development and compare it to the different types of breast cancer. It was established expressly for the acquisition of normal tissues, breast tissue, cryopreserved tissue, serum, plasma and DNA, from volunteer donors with no clinical evidence of breast disease and/or malignancy, providing a resources to investigators around the globe.

Access Instructions

  • Proposal requests are submitted through this form. The proposal is reviewed by Sample Access Committees that are designated by body site or cancer type. Once a proposal is approved, the BC2 staff works with the PI to identify and obtain the appropriate samples.

Keyword Subject
  • Biobanks
  • Biological specimens
Domain Subject
Public Contact
Hosting Unit