The RVC Cancer Biobank's aims to improve companion animal and human health, by providing a resource of high quality biospecimens for translational research that will result in cancer therapy advancements.

Challenge

Cancer remains a formidable challenge, affecting both our beloved companion animals and ourselves. The RVC Cancer Biobank takes centre stage as a crucial resource in the quest for biomedical advancements. By offering a standardised approach to biospecimen collection and archiving, our mission is to accelerate cancer research and drive the development of precision medicine. Through the power of linking cancer samples with comprehensive patient information, we can pave the way for more effective, targeted, and less toxic therapies.

Solution

Why is cancer biobanking so vital?

The answer lies in the invaluable insights that can be gleaned from the samples. By studying these biological specimens, researchers can unravel the complex genetic and molecular underpinnings of cancer. This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of the disease but also opens doors to innovative treatments and personalised care. Without a comprehensive biobank, such breakthroughs would be considerably hampered, slowing down progress in the fight against cancer.

The RVC Cancer Biobank stands at the forefront of this transformative field, offering a solution that revolutionizes cancer research and treatment. With our state-of-the-art facilities and unwavering commitment to excellence, we are poised to make a lasting impact on the future of cancer care.

We focus on the collection, storage, and preservation of paired residual cancer, blood and urine samples and associated clinical data of dogs and cats treated at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. To safeguard sample integrity, our procedures strictly follow Standard Operating Protocols guaranteeing that DNA, RNA, and protein quality are high, preserving the sample quality for decades.

The current RVC Cancer Biobank contains samples from a total of 69 different cancer types. Although we are collecting samples from all cancer types, we specifically focus on the collection of Endocrine Cancers as this is one of the focus areas of our researchers at the RVC.

If you are conducting a research study and are looking for cancer samples, please contact cancerbiobank@rvc.ac.uk to see how the RVC Cancer Biobank can assist you in your efforts.