The Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber is at the forefront of cancer research, utilizing biobanking and bioinformatics to accelerate scientific discoveries. While the institute’s bench research area may resemble a crime investigation TV show scene, the real work happens behind the scenes.
The institute’s biobanking program boasts nearly 600,000 frozen tissue samples, stored in specialized freezers, allowing researchers access to a vast collection of genetic material. These tissue samples, along with the accompanying data, are made available to scientists across the country through collaborative partnerships. The tissue bank provides samples or data to scientists involved in national research networks, such as the John Murtha Cancer Center and the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program. By pooling resources and data, the institute can accelerate research and facilitate collaboration.
In addition to its biobanking program, the institute’s bioinformatics team plays a crucial role in cancer research. With the help of proprietary software systems, the team analyzes and catalogs the immense amount of data contained in each cell. This data includes demographic and health information, which is de-identified to protect patient privacy. By understanding the intricate details of each cell and its characteristics, researchers can draw valuable insights and advance our understanding of cancer.
The institute’s collaborations extend beyond the military medical community. Through partnerships with organizations like Susan B. Komen for the Cure, the Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber has contributed to a dozen new studies in the past year alone. These collaborations allow researchers to access a wider range of data and samples, enhancing the quality and impact of their research.
Overall, the biobanking and bioinformatics programs at the Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber play a vital role in advancing cancer research. By leveraging a vast collection of tissue samples and utilizing sophisticated data analysis techniques, the institute accelerates scientific discoveries and fosters collaboration among researchers nationwide.
Sources:
– “NCIS-Inspired Scene Unfolds at Chan Soon-Shiong Institute and Windber Research Center” – Article Title
– Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber – Website