In-depth with BC²
Giving donors a look inside the biobank's commitment to transforming samples into impactful cancer research
The Story of a Biobank Sample
An in-depth look at how a donor's sample is transformed into medical discoveries
The slideshow below will guide you through the story of how a sample provided to the BC² Biobank is utilized by researchers who are working to better our understanding of cancer and its treatment. ​This story will follow a fictional donor, named Vanessa, and will describe:
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The major steps of the biobank process.
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The key processes, policies, and procedures of the biobank
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The types of research being conducted at the biobank
Vanessa's donor journey begins...
Vanessa's was recently referred to Dr. R, an oncologist at the Simon Cancer Center, after a scan discovered a mass on one of her kidneys. This was the biggest health concern that Vanessa faced in her entire life, and she was understandably anxious about her upcoming appointment.
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At the appointment, Dr. R, explains that while it is highly likely that the mass on her kidney is cancerous, it doesn't seem that it spread to other parts of her body. Dr. R recommends that she have surgery to remove the entire kidney, as this would give her the best chance at complete remission.
Vanessa agrees to the surgery. Dr. R puts in the referral and let's Vanessa know that he would like to follow up with her in two weeks to do some additional testing and discuss the possibility of her needing to have additional treatments (chemotherapy or radiation) after the surgery.
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Shortly after her second appointment with Dr. R, Vanessa is approached by a cancer center staff member who introduces himself as being affiliated with the BC² biobank at the cancer center. He describes the biobank to her, explaining that it is a collection of biological samples that are gathered from individuals with cancer and that these samples will be used by researchers who focus specifically on cancer-related research. He also provides Vanessa with a consent document that describes the biobank in greater detail.
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Although Vanessa has only just recently become a member of the cancer community, she feels that she wants to do whatever she can to help people who might be going through the same things as her. Vanessa signs the consent document, and thanks the BC² staff member for letting her know about the biobank.
