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    ECU Melanoma research group at the Melanoma March

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ECU Cancer Blood Biomarkers Cohort Study

Where are the cancer samples stored?

Samples donated for cancer research are stored in our secure laboratory at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia, in carefully controlled conditions. We store biological samples like blood, tissue, and DNA from cancer patients, and clinical data. Our patients provide permission for our researchers to use the samples and data for ethically approved cancer research projects. We collect samples from patients with melanoma, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and other solid tumours.

What are biomarkers?

  • Biomarkers are clues or markers that your body gives that help show what’s going on inside of you.
  • We measure biomarkers through blood tests and taking tissue samples.

We use biomarkers to:

  • Diagnose diseases
  • Discover new treatments and check if a treatment is working
  • Predict if someone might develop an illness or disease
  • Personalise treatment by choosing the best type of treatment or medicine for someone
  • Prevent serious side effects from treatment

Who decides how the samples and data can be used?

Our Scientific Steering Committee reviews all sample access requests. The Committee includes researchers, ECU staff, cancer doctors and a member of the cancer community.

Consumer advisors

Our consumer advisors are either carers of loved ones who have experienced cancer or cancer survivors with a lived experience of cancer. They play an important role in ensuring the patient voice is central to our research.

How can you support our research?

Every donation helps (whether big or small) to contribute to our research, particularly in melanoma treatment and survival.

Click here to donate

Contact for more information:

Study Lead: Professor Elin Gray (e.gray@ecu.edu.au)

We would like to give a heartfelt thanks to our cancer patients and their families. Your contributions to our research study help pave the way for better care, a brighter future, and hope for others.

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