Donating tissue and samples
As part of a clinical trial, you may be invited to
donate blood, tumour and urine samples. Before you decide about
donating your tissue, it is important that you understand why these
samples are needed and what donating tissue will involve. Some of
this information is covered below; however if you are taking part
in a trial you will be given specific contact details and will have
an opportunity to ask further questions.
Why do we need to collect tissue samples?
A lot of progress has been made recently in understanding
cancer. However, further research needs to be done to help us
understand the causes of cancer and also to discover new
methods for treatment and diagnosis. It is very important that we
have a large number of tumour specimens, blood and urine samples
from people with cancer to allow this extra research to take place.
It is also important that we have information about the people who
give samples so that we can relate what we find in our research to
what happens to patients.
Why have I been chosen?
You have recently been diagnosed with cancer and have been
referred for further assessment and treatment. An operation is
planned to remove the cancer-containing tissue. This tissue will be
sent to the pathology department to help confirm the diagnosis and
plan your further treatment. Often, it is not necessary to test the
whole sample that has been removed which means that tissue will be
left over. We would like to ask you to donate this left-over tissue
so that we can store it carefully in order to help with cancer
research projects.
What will happen to my tissue?
If you decide to donate your left-over tissue, it will be stored
securely at the Christie For use by approved research groups, both
academic and commercial. In all cases, before they are given
access, these groups have to gain ethical approval for their
project and the quality of the project will be measured by a group
of scientists and doctors who work in the same field. Your tissue
will not be used for non-medical or non-scientific purposes.
Do I have to take part?
No, there is no obligation to donate your tissue or blood. If
you decide to give us your tissue you will be asked to sign a
consent form. You are still free to withdraw at any time without
giving a reason. If you decide not to take part, the tissue removed
will still be sent to the pathology laboratory and the treatment
you receive for your cancer will not be affected. If you do donate
tissue, you have the right to withdraw it at any time.
What are the benefits of taking part?
There will be no direct benefit to you but your donation will
contribute to research that may help in the discovery of new tests
and treatment for cancer.
Further information
The Cancer
Research UK website provides more information on tissue
donation and a summary of the
Human Tissue Act which governs this area. If you have been
asked to donate tissue and have further questions, please contact
the relevant research team.
