About Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository (TIOB)
The Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository is a research facility that collects, catalogs and stores samples of biological material, such as urine, blood, stool, tissue, cells, DNA, RNA and protein, in an effort to improve our understanding of cancer
Our goal with the TIOB is to help researchers:
- Analyze how different cells and immune systems respond to cancer treatment
- Address why a cancer is resistant to treatment in some patients or why it returns in others
- Study how to improve patient outcomes and survival rates
How is this different from other cancer research?
The TIOB was created to fuel research efforts, not to compete with them.
Research has led to the creation of many immunotherapies, like CAR-T, to help treat different cancers. We want to improve the understanding about how immunotherapies are performing in a real-world setting.
Through Baylor Scott & White Research Institute (BSWRI), we can safely collect biospecimens from a very large, and uniquely diverse, patient population. Those samples can then be studied with the purpose of improving and increasing the types of immunotherapies available.
The data and biological samples we gather will allow researchers to dig into the microscopic nuances that can change how one patient responds to a treatment compared with another, or what small changes can be made to improve the effectiveness of a treatment option.
Who can participate?
- Patients with confirmed or suspected cancer
- Patients who expect to receive immunotherapy
- Patients willing to donate blood and other biospecimen samples
- Cancer types: skin, lung, breast, liver, kidney and bladder
How it works
Start
Patient gives written consent
First
Baseline samples, including urine, blood and stool are collected, and possibly tissue biopsy (if indicated)
Next
The patient receives FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors/CAR-T
Three months
After three months, more samples are collected
Six months
After six months, more samples are collected
Then
Sample collection continues every three months (unless consent is withdrawn)
If disease progresses, sample collection will continue with treatment as directed
Frequently asked questions
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What will be collected?
Samples will vary by patient, but the type of samples we could collect include:
- Tissue
- Stool
- Blood cells
- Urine
- Bodily fluids
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How often will I need to provide a sample?
Sample and data collection frequency will vary depending on the participant's stage of cancer, and may change with any recession or progression. Frequency can range from every three months to once a year. Wherever possible, the TIOB team will schedule these appointments to coincide with routine cancer therapy follow-up visits or regular visits.
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What if I change my mind?
Participants can withdraw at any time. There is no obligation to continue if you change your mind or are unable to continue providing samples for any reason.
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Who actually collects my samples?
Baylor Scott & White Research Institute's extensive network of team members are located at hospitals and clinics throughout Baylor Scott & White Health. Participation will be offered at facilities with a trained tissue coordinator or other BSWRI study personnel present to consent, collect, process, and appropriately transport samples.
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Will participation alter my treatment?
No. Your participation is voluntary, and for research purposes only.
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Will my personal test result/data be shared with me?
No. The test results are for research (not clinical) use only.
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Will I be billed for any of the lab work or sample collection?
No, there are no fees associated with participation. Participants will not be billed for any biospecimen collection and lab analyses that are not related to their existing physician-prescribed care.