Biobank projects, publications and policies
Discover the material available in the biobank and how to apply.
The Breast Cancer Now Biobank is the UK’s largest unique collection of high-quality breast tissue, breast cells and blood samples from breast cancer patients. These samples are available to researchers to give them the ability to study real breast cancer samples from different angles.
To date, the biobank has collected over 129,000 samples and has already allocated over 10,000 samples to research projects.
The Breast Cancer Now Biobank is a vital resource that allows scientists access to the tissue and primary cells they need to carry out world-class research.
Thanks to patients donating their breast cancer samples and consenting for us to collect, store and share these samples and data with scientists worldwide, our research can happen faster and be more reliable, bringing greater benefits to patients.
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Cell culture bank
Find out about the samples we offer, and the recoverable costs. And read our helpful FAQ section.Find out more -
Researcher environment portal
Before applying to the biobank, scientists can research projects and publications associated with the biobank, query and analyse research data and use our sample finder to search for specimens.Find out more
Projects, policies and procedures
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Project summaries
- Intra-tumour genetic heterogeneity of lymphocyte enriched triple-negative breast cancer
- Determination of the importance of transcriptional drivers in breast cancer development, progression and response to targeted th
- Control of epithelial to mesenchymal transition by the miR-106b~25 cluster and EP300 in metaplastic breast cancer
- Exploration of a new biomarker to predict treatment response in basal-like breast cancer
- Identifying personalized epigenetic endocrine resistance based on pathway screening
- siRNA screening using a 3D spheroid invasion assay in cancer associated fibroblasts
- Identification of potential microRNA biomarkers as predictors of recurrence in patients with TNBC
- Identification of biomarkers to predict response to Standard of Care DNA Damaging Chemotherapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- Investigation of hormonal, genetic and downstream factors regulating stem and progenitor activities in normal breast epithelium
- iKnife in Breast Cancer Surgery
- The role of non-coding RNA in the development of cancer-associated fibroblasts
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Publications
- Characterization of four subtypes in morphologically normal tissue excised proximal and distal to breast cancer
- The sodium channel b1 subunit mediates outgrowth of neurite-like processes on breast cancer cells and promotes tumour growth
- BCNTB bioinformatics: the next evolutionary step in the bioinformatics of breast cancer tissue banking
- Transcriptional implications of intragenic DNA methylation in the oestrogen receptor alpha gene in breast cancer cells
- Investment biobanking — increased returns from tissue samples
- Adding value to rare tissue samples donated to biobanks obtained from a female-to-male transgender patient
- Development and characterisation of a 3D multi-cellular in vitro model of normal human breast
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Policies and procedures
We still need your support
Our biobank is generously supported by funding from Asda Tickled Pink and the Garfield Weston Foundation. We'd also like to acknowledge the past support of Walk the Walk, a founding partner of the tissue bank alongside Asda Tickled Pink.
But we still need further support and donations to keep investing in projects like the Breast Cancer Now Biobank.