Page 2 - Clinical Connections - Spring 2024

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK

quality are high, preserving the sample
quality for decades.
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.
Currently the RVC Cancer Biobank
contains samples from a total of 69 different
cancer types. Although we are collecting
samples from all cancer types, we have
a particular interest in the collection of
endocrine cancers, as this is one of the
focus areas of RVC researchers.

The Process
Surgical extirpation of overactive endocrine
tissue is commonly recommended as a sole
therapeutic treatment or part of a treatment
plan. These tissues are used for routine samples which could be stored. Aims of the RVC Cancer Biobank
histopathology to confirm diagnosis and aid The RVC’s Clinical Investigation Centre Aim 1. To create a canine and feline
disease staging. There is often a significant has the laboratory expertise to handle and endocrine cancer tissue archive / biobank.
amount of residual tissue following these store the samples appropriately, allowing This would be used for various investigations
procedures, which could be used for maximal use of any residual samples performed by RVC research groups,
research purposes rather than merely obtained. The Diagnostic Laboratories students and invited colleagues. Over time,
disposed of. Service routinely undertakes post mortem we strive to make samples from biobank
In addition, these patients often undergo investigations, allowing collection of available to industry partners and scientists
several diagnostic and monitoring blood and samples on-site. at academic institutions around the world.
urine samples, which would provide residual Aim 2. Investigate urine or blood biomarkers
to improve ante-mortem diagnosis of
Other RVC Biobanks endocrine disorders and improve diagnosis
The RVC established a Companion Animal Brain Bank (CABB) in 2019, with the of affected patients.
objective of collecting and storing samples of brain tissue and other biological Aim 3. Better describe feline and canine
specimens for research and educational purposes. The CABB has successfully endocrine cancers, to include routine
archived 43 brains (31 dogs, and 12 cats) alongside residual samples of blood and histopathology, immunohistochemistry and
cerebrospinal fluid. The collection of companion animal brain tissue has benefits possibly also electron microscopy. The aim
for future patients diagnosed with neurological disease, the attending clinicians, is to improve tumour classification, which
RVC researchers and the research community as a whole, which can access the may aid prediction of possible future disease
brain bank. recurrence and prognosis.
The RVC’s Canine Pericardial Effusion Biobank was established in 2022, with Aim 4. Investigate endocrine tumour
the aim of enabling pioneering research aimed at developing new diagnostic tests receptor expression and the molecular
to help dogs at the RVC and beyond. Since then a number of samples have been pathways contributing to excessive hormone
taken from dogs referred to the RVC and research is progressing. The Companion production and metastatic disease. These
Animal Brain Bank and the Canine Pericardial Effusion Biobank were established findings are essential for the development
with the support of funding from the RVC Animal Care Trust. of medical treatments targeting endocrine
There is also a SUB biobank. Ureteral obstruction secondary to urolithiasis tumours.
is a frequent cause of feline kidney injury and necessitates placement of a
subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) to relieve the obstruction. Despite resolving
the obstruction, a proportion of cats will be left with chronic kidney disease. The
factors involved in kidney recovery after a sudden injury are currently poorly
understood and it is challenging to identify patients who will go on to suffer from
ongoing renal dysfunction. How and when to intervene to encourage complete
renal recovery after injury is also unclear. The biobank stores residual samples
of urine and blood from patients that have had a SUB placed. These samples will For small animal referrals, please call:
01707 666399
facilitate valuable studies investigating risk factors for development of obstructive Email:
ureteral stones, as well as factors involved in recovery from sudden kidney injury. qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk

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2 Spring 2024