The BBRS supports scientists by providing high quality human samples and de-identified data for cancer research. There are 3 kinds of users who are interested in using the BBRS samples for research:
- Academics affiliated with BC Cancer and university institutions who are funded by academic sources
- Academics sponsored and funded in whole or in part from industry or commercial sources through a range of mechanisms that support academic research
- BC Cancer approved Industry users
All researchers that apply to use biobank samples or services require approval of their research protocol from their local research ethics board. The BBRS responds to these requests following a standard review process using an Access Committee to ensure the projects have high scientific quality. In addition, the BC Cancer Technology Development Office assists the BBRS with aspects of the access process for applications from industry.
The BBRS's first release of samples and data for research was in 2007, and to date, biobank samples or services have supported over 100 studies.
Samples and data have been released for research from the following tumour types:
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Esophageal
- Liver
- Lung
- Kidney
- Melanoma
- Ovarian
- Pancreas
- Prostate
- Sarcoma
- Stomach
The BBRS remains active in the science of biobanking and collaborates to publish relevant and timely papers.
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