Information for researchers and clinicians

The overall aim of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank is to assist researchers in conducting studies investigating the genetic, cellular or biological, lifestyle and environmental factors associated with cancer and drug response.

The key objectives of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank are to:

• Collect, process, and store high-quality cancer biospecimens (including fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue, as well as blood, stool, throat mucosa swab samples and other relevant bodily fluids) and associated clinical data according to international best-practices in anticipation of future research needs, as well as for current project-specific applications.
• Collect biospecimens along multiple timepoints, standardised across various, defined cancer types and treatment modalities.
• Accurately collect and store relevant pathological and clinical data (demographic, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome), in conjunction with collected biological material.
• Provide timely and efficient dissemination of biospecimens for use in scientifically valid and ethically approved research projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical criteria, including the constant maintenance of participant privacy and rights.
• Undertake all relevant biobanking activities according to best practice guidelines.

This project has received Human Research Ethics Committee approval: 2021/ETH12278.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank will have two committees:

• The Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank Management Advisory Committee
• The Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank Scientific Advisory Committee

With each committee having defined roles, powers, and responsibilities for the governance.

Both these committees will be overseen by the Cancer Services Operations Management Committee. 

ISLHD is the host organisation for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank.

Governance structure:

Collection figures as of July 2020

Collection figures as of July 2020

Biospecimens collected by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank are made available to Australian researchers on the provision that use of specimens are for scientifically valid and ethically approved cancer research projects.

Researcher application forms and related guidelines can be found here:

• Download Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank Biospecimen Application Form
• Acknowledgement Guidelines for Illawarra Shoalhaven Cancer Biobank
• Guidelines for Researcher Applications