The Surrey INHANCER Biobank Add to Contact List

The Surrey INHANCER Biobank - Innovation in Head & Neck Cancer Research. This biobank provides high-quality, clinically annotated samples for translational research into head and neck cancers. The collection is currently focused on patients undergoing surgery with curative intent for HNSCC. Primary Cohort The majority of samples are from patients undergoing primary surgery for treatment-naive oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, UK. Sample Types We provide matched normal and tumour tissue pairs. Samples are procured from the centre of the tumour (ensuring no interference with surgical margin assessment) and from a distant mucosal site for matched normal tissue. Quality Control and Processing All samples are placed immediately post-resection into formalin (for FFPE) or RNAlater (for use in DNA/RNA sequencing methodology). Formalin fixed samples are processed and embedded into paraffin blocks for long term storage. Samples store in RNALater are stored long term at -20 degrees. All processing is conducted on the same day in a dedicated oncology laboratory at the University of Surrey, ensuring high-quality preservation for downstream applications. Clinical data is hosted using the GDPR compliant database, RedCap. Additional Services We can offer additional services including sectioning and preparation of slides for histology, preparation of paraffin curls for nucleic acid extraction from FFPE samples, optimization of chromogen staining protocols, optimization of multiplex IHC panels using the Akoya PhenoImaging Platform. Please note we operate a cost recovery scheme to cover direct costs of sample processing, handling and preparation. For more advanced optimization methodology please discuss this with the Biobank Manager. Details of all costs are included in the sample request form available from the Biobank Manager. The biobank is actively expanding to include: Additional Anatomical Sites. Surgically managed tumours from the sinonasal cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. Additional Clinical Cohorts. Samples from patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent disease or second primary tumours in a post-treatment setting. Researchers interested in accessing samples from this cohort are encouraged to contact the Biobank Manager.

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Last Updated: 10/29/2025

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