Translational Research

Translational research is an important component of our studies, and data collection and tissue storage for future use are considered very important. Our pathology Sub-chair and Young Oncologist have been active in developing protocols for tissue transport and research. A customized secure web-based portal has been developed for virtual tissue archiving of samples from the EORTC 08031 trial and will be used as a platform for centralized review of biomarkers in future clinical trials. Tissue microarrays have been developed in collaboration with LCG centers in Aberdeen and Belfast enabling multiple biomarker evaluation. For tissue collected in the EORTC 08092 (MAPPING) trial, the medical oncology sub-chair Dr. D. Fennell will coordinate tissue banking in the Northern Ireland Cancer which is linked to the Queen’s University Belfast core technology unit. This will enable rapid tissue processing, nucleic acid extraction, and the ability to conduct an array of molecular tests including expression or micro RNA array analysis, DNA copy number analysis, or quantitative PCR. This should support future development of personalized therapies based on tumor genetic profiles. The LCG will continue to invest in these studies.