Driving gynaecological cancer research through biobanking

A biobank is a library of biological samples, such as blood and tumour cells, that medical researchers can use to learn more about diseases like cancer and test new treatments.

Biobanks ensure samples and data are securely stored and are accessible to researchers, ultimately enabling faster, high-quality research outcomes.

The Health Precincts Biobank at Randwick is a collaborative initiative between UNSW Sydney, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, and NSW Health Pathology. The biobank currently holds over 20,000 tissue specimens together with linked data from more than 4,000 patients, from a wide range of cancer types and some non-cancer specimens.

The Royal Hospital for Women has been the single biggest contributor to the Health Precincts Biobank. Thanks to the dedication of the Gynaecological Oncology team, over 7,000 specimens from more than 1,400 patients have been banked over the last decade. This is a testament to the commitment of the unit’s dedicated nursing staff and ongoing support from the staff specialist under the leadership of Dr King Man Wan, head of department.

These gynaecological oncology specimens support vital research investigating ovarian, endometrial and other gynaecological cancers to improve treatments and outcomes for patients. The Gynaecological Oncology team’s commitment to biobanking is helping to fuel discoveries that could transform cancer care for years to come.

The Health Precincts Biobank is a core facility within the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, part of the Division of Research and Enterprise at UNSW. As an open-access biobank, researchers across Australia can apply to use stored specimens and associated data, provided their projects have received ethical approval. Importantly, all specimens and data are de-identified before distribution to protect patient privacy.

The Gynaecological Oncology team has embedded the Biobank consent process into pre-admission clinics. Led by Cath David, Clinical Nurse Consultant, the team ensures patients are fully informed and given the opportunity to consent to the use of surplus surgical tissue and blood samples for future research. A key advantage of this approach is that a single consent may support multiple ethically approved research projects, reducing patient burden while maximising scientific value.

“Our team are passionate about improving cancer outcomes for women. The specimens we contribute to the biobank will enable better ways to diagnose and treat gynaecological cancers. We have found our patients are very willing to participate in this process. On behalf of the team, I thank them for their valuable contribution,” Cath David, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Gynaecological Oncology team, Royal Hospital for Women.

More information about the Health Precincts Biobank

Published 1 April 2025