Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center

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Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center

The world's only biobank that collects healthy breast tissue for breast cancer research. The donors to this repository are volunteers.

The KTB is a repository bank of whole blood, DNA, plasma, serum and frozen human breast tissue. What sets the KTB apart from all other tissue and blood repositories is that the vast majority of our donors are without evidence of breast cancer. Each sample is annotated with detailed medical information about the donor. Even though donors will not benefit directly from their donation, they are providing an invaluable resource to enable research to maximize its potential today and in generations to come.

01/12/2026

The Biospecimen Collection and Biobanking Core (BC2) is growing!

We recently received an equipment grant to purchase a new Semi-Automated Galileo CK2500 TMA Arrayer. This specialized instrument was handmade in Italy and delivered to our lab in November.

This was a big day as Andrea De Blasio joined our tissue procurement team to lead hands-on installation and training!

The Impact on Research: Tissue Micro Arrays (TMAs) represent a powerful tool that allows scientists to analyze many tissue samples at the same time. This new equipment will allow our core to expand and enhance TMA build services, providing even stronger support to the cancer research investigators working to end breast cancer.

Join us in celebrating this milestone for our lab!

01/02/2026

What if doctors could spot cancer risk years before it starts? Researchers studied normal breast tissue and found DNA clues that may predict future cancer. This discovery could lead to earlier prevention—and it’s possible because of generous donors like you!

Want to help? Follow us, share this post, and learn more on our website.

12/31/2025

Happy New Year from all of us at the Komen Tissue Bank! We are energized and ready to continue fueling breakthrough research for prevention & cures in 2026. Your support and donations make it possible for researchers to accelerate discoveries.

Help us share this message of hope and dedication to science! What are your hopes for breast cancer research this year? Let us know in the comments!

12/24/2025

Wishing you a Happy Holidays from the Komen Tissue Bank and our wonderful partners in the Biospecimen Collection and Banking Core (BC2)!

As a small but mighty part of this dedicated core, we are so grateful for the commitment and collaborative spirit of everyone pictured here. Every sample we collect, process, and bank supports life-saving research, and it’s truly a team effort. Thank you to all our donors, staff, and collaborators for a successful year. May your holidays be filled with joy!

12/22/2025

Know Your Risk: A Major Shift in Breast Cancer Screening is Here.

The New York Times has featured a significant study from JAMA that introduces a risk-based approach to breast cancer screening. Instead of a one-size-fits-all schedule, this new model tailors screening frequency based on individual risk factors.

This development holds immense potential for improving patient care and making screening more personalized.

Tap the article link below to dive into the details of this groundbreaking research and learn what it could mean for you and your loved ones.

Read the Full Story Here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/health/jama-breast-cancer-risk-based-screening.html?unlocked_article_code=1.808.-B-x.n3pO-z5ytEdb&smid=url-share

12/19/2025

We're all pieces of the puzzle that will end breast cancer.

The Komen Tissue Bank (KTB) is proud to be the missing scientific piece: the only repository in the world dedicated to collecting normal breast tissue for breast cancer research. This crucial control group is the key ingredient researchers use to compare and understand the earliest origins of the disease.

Ready to see how we complete the puzzle?
Visit our homepage today: https://cancer.iu.edu/ktb/index.html

12/17/2025

Plasma from healthy donors helps researchers understand how the body communicates.

It's full of proteins and molecules that show how healthy systems respond to stress, inflammation, and disease.

This post shows how your donation is helping scientists build a clearer picture of breast biology.

Share this to show how plasma supports breast cancer research.

12/16/2025

To our December babies, Happy Birthday! Don’t forget to complete your medical follow-up this month! Contact Alison at alisnide@iu.edu or (317)274-2366 if you need assistance.

12/12/2025

As members of the Simon Cancer Center Carolers, KTB/BC2 managers Pam and Kathi have been spending December singing in and around several IU Health locations, including the cancer center, University Hospital, Riley Hospital, and Methodist Hospital. The SCC Carolers even surprised cancer center director Dr. Kelvin Lee with a surprise serenade.

12/11/2025

Healthy tissue donations are changing the future of breast cancer research.
A new study explored two proteins—EZH2 and FASN—in healthy breast tissue to understand how they relate to cancer risk.

Check out these photos to learn what scientists discovered and why your impact matters.

Every sample brings us closer to prevention. Thank you for making this work possible!

Share this post to spread awareness and follow us for more breakthroughs.

12/09/2025

Today, the BC2 (Biospecimen Collection and Banking Core) team, including the Komen Tissue Bank, was proud to deliver gifts for the IU Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement’s Season of Giving program!

This program is celebrating 25 years of amazing service, working with local partners like Christamore House and Hawthorne Community Center to identify and provide gifts to families during the holiday season.

We love participating in this effort. Last year, our BC2 team contributed $375 and helped purchase gifts for one family! This year, the program is striving to support 100 families, and we are honored to be a part of that goal.

A huge thank you to the IU Office of Community Engagement for organizing this wonderful program that truly brings a little holiday joy and hope to our neighbors.

12/02/2025

It’s December! You know what that means! If your birthday is this month, take a moment to complete your medical follow-up! Contact Alison at alisnide@iu.edu or (317)274-2366 if you need assistance.

Address

550 N University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN
46202

Telephone

+13172742366

Website

http://www.komentissuebank.iu.edu/

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