Biobanking and Biospecimen Science Research

NCI's Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) develops resources and educational materials on biobanking and biospecimen research. The DCTD also encourages mutually beneficial interactions with the public. People can learn about the ethical considerations that are imperative to protect the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive patient samples and associated data. Discover more information on best practices and the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) related to cancer research and biobanking below.

Biobanking Research
DCTD supports the advancement of biobanking (the collection, storage, and processing of biological sciences for cancer research) and sharing of associated data via the collaborative Cancer Research Biobank and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) initiatives
Biospecimen Science Programs
DCTD funds research initiatives to broaden the understanding of changes that affect biospecimen quality including non-natural conditions explored through the Biospecimen Pre-analytical Variables (BPV) Program.
Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Biobanking in Cancer Research
Best practices, ethical considerations, and federal regulations researchers apply to handling biological samples and associated data that are collected for potential genetic or genomic studies to help protect the rights and welfare of biospecimen donors.
Biospecimen Research Database (BRD)
A publicly accessible database that contains SOPs, established protocols, procedural guidelines developed using literature evidence, and peer-reviewed articles centered on human biospecimen science.
Engaging Patient Communities in Biospecimen Research
Educational resources to help patients and the public better understand what happens when patients decide to participate in cancer clinical trials and donate their biological samples and data.
Federal Regulations on Human Specimen and Data Collection
Information on federal regulations, ethical guidance, informed consent, and data sharing principles for human specimen and data collection.