Abstract: Teenage and young adult cancers are biologically unique, often requiring different treatments than those used for children or older adults. Because these cases are rare and spread across many hospitals, gathering enough samples for study is a major scientific hurdle. The VIVO Biobank solves this by acting as the UK’s largest repository for blood, tissue, and DNA from patients under 25. By centralizing these resources, the biobank allows scientists worldwide to study the “roots” of cancer, helping to develop therapies that are more effective and have fewer long-term side effects.
The true power of this biobank lies in its connection to real-world clinical trials. By storing “extra” samples from trials, the VIVO team ensures that a patient’s contribution continues to help others long after a specific study ends. This “research ecosystem” provides a full clinical picture, allowing researchers to see not just how a tumor looks, but how it responds to specific treatments over time. For rare diseases like Ewing sarcoma or leukemia, these stored samples are the only way to find the answers needed to save lives in the future.
Read this full article here: https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/04/15/teenagers-young-adults-vivo-biobank-future-cancer-research/
