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Weizmann 14, Tel Aviv, Israel

Blood Samples
Cryopreservation

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If tumor tissue is not available to prepare anti-cancer vaccines, tumor components can sometimes be derived from bodily fluids (e.g., ascites or from pleural effusion) or even from the blood, as long as sufficient number of cancer cells exist.

The facilities required to cryopreserve blood samples are remarkably similar to those required for other types of biological tissue. This is why Biotherapy International’s Tumor Tissue Bank is now expanding its services to include tumor components derived from the blood. 

Using Blood as the Source of Cancer Antigens to Prepare Anti-Cancer Vaccines

Blood samples are frequently used to analyse mutations. This can help the oncologist choose the optimally available anti-cancer medication.

However, in addition to providing valuable information on tumour characteristics, similar “liquid biopsies” can provide a potential source of cancer antigens, which can be used to prepare personalized experimental anti-cancer vaccines.

Potential sources of cancer antigens include one or more of the following:

 

  • Circulating tumour cells (CTC) in a blood sample
  • Extracellular vesicles or exosomes secreted from cancer cells
  • Isolation of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and RNA from the blood

 

Comparing the number of CTC and/or the concentration of ctDNA before and after any experimental treatment can serve as a surrogate marker to help evaluate objectively potential response to any chosen cancer treatment. 

Cryopreserved cancer cells, or any other cancer cell-derived component can be used to prepare an experimental anti cancer vaccine. These components should ideally be obtained during the initial diagnosis or following disease progression. 

Professional doctors perform tests from samples of blood tests t

Therapeutic Benefits of Blood Sample Cryopreservation

Following metastases, intact circulating cancer cells originating from the original tumour can invade the bloodstream. These cells can be used to evaluate a patient’s response to treatment or to prepare anti-cancer vaccines.

For cancer patients who have achieved a stage of minimal residual disease status, either following surgery or a conventional anti-cancer treatment, immunotherapy may provide an opportunity to slow disease progression. Immunotherapy can also eliminate residual, multi-drug resistant cancer cells or cancer stem cells that are a priori resistant to all available anti-cancer modalities. The immunotherapeutic effects of anti-cancer vaccination can be further amplified by concomitant treatment with available medications that can maximize activation of the immune system. 

Obtaining Blood Samples for Cryopreservation of Cancer Antigens

Cryopreserved tumor tissue obtained during surgery is the ideal source of cancer tissue for the preparation of anti-cancer vaccines. However, in cases where tumor tissue is unavailable, blood samples should be collected into specially designed tubes to prevent degradation of DNA and RNA, or EDTA tubes, centrifuged and cryopreserved with no delay. Freshly cryopreserved plasma should be transferred to Biotherapy International Tumor Bank for long term cryopreservation or as soon as anti-cancer vaccines are indicated. Our representatives can help you ensure successful access to our tumor bank.

Why to Preserve a Tumor? Our Expert

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FAQ FAQ

Why is it recommended to cryopreserve tumor tissue?

To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide.

What if tumor tissue is unavailable or cannot be obtained?

If the tumour is not in an easily accessible location, or if it was already removed, it is also possible to use blood-derived cancer components. Blood samples often contain circulating tumour cells, excretory extracellular vesicles or exosomes. These can all be used as a source of cancer antigens, and then be used to manufacture an anti-cancer vaccine.

Ideally, blood samples will need to be harvested and cryopreserved before initiating any conventional oncological treatment (like chemotherapy). This will increase the chances of finding cancer antigens amidst the blood tissue.

Is Tumor preservation right for me?

To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide.

I would like to store my tumor. What are the steps?

To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide.

How anti-cancer vaccines are prepared? 

To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide. To arm you and your doctor with the best, most personalized leading-edge research, diagnostics and options worldwide.

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