Welcome to the

Silver Family Blood Cancer Institute Biorepository Request Portal

 

The Silver Family Blood Cancer Institute (SFBCI) Biorepository at Northwestern University houses a diverse collection of human biospecimens to support translational research in hematologic malignancies and cancer predisposition. Investigators are welcome to explore and request available samples via this portal.

The biorepository encompasses several specialized biobanks, each led by distinguished investigators:

Dr. Yasmin Abaza, Assistant Professor of Medicine in Hematology and Oncology at the Feinberg School of Medicine and a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, focuses her clinical research on targeted therapies for myeloid malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). She leads the CHIP (Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential) and AML/MDS biobanks, contributing to advancements in understanding and treating these conditions.

medicine.northwestern.edu. | onclive.com | feinberg.northwestern.edu | aamds.org

Dr. Jessica K. Altman, Professor of Medicine in the Hematology and Oncology Division at the Feinberg School of Medicine and Director of the Acute Leukemia Program at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializes in translational research aimed at understanding aberrant signal transduction pathways in myeloid neoplasms. She co-leads the CHIP and AML/MDS biobanks, facilitating research into molecular targets and clinical trials for leukemia treatments. cancer.northwestern.edu

Dr. Lucy A. Godley, Jeffrey and Marianne Silver Family Professor of Oncology and Professor of Medicine in Hematology and Oncology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, directs the Inherited Cancer Risk Biobank. Her research focuses on the molecular pathways driving hematopoietic malignancies, particularly how germline predisposition alleles contribute to individual and familial cancer risks. Dr. Godley has been instrumental in recognizing germline variants as risk factors for developing hematopoietic malignancies.

feinberg.northwestern.edu | medicine.northwestern.edu | feinberg.northwestern.edu

SFBCI Approval Committee:

Yasmin Abaza, MD

Assistant Professor, Medicine (Hematology and Oncology)

 

Jessica Altman, MD

Professor, Medicine (Hematology and Oncology)

 

Peng Ji, MD, PhD

Vice Chair for Research, Department of Pathology

Marie A. Fleming Research Professor of Pathology

Professor, Pathology (Experimental Pathology), Pathology (Hematopathology)

 

Lucy A. Godley, MD, PhD

Jeffrey and Marianne Silver Family Professor of Oncology

Professor, Medicine (Hematology and Oncology)

Available Sample Categories:

• Lymphoma
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) / Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
• Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP)
• Clonal Cytopenia of Undetermined Significance (CCUS)
• Samples with potential germline cancer predisposition

What Can Be Requested:

• Viably cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs)
• Serum, plasma, and cell pellets
• DNA/RNA from select specimens
• Clinical data (limited, de-identified, IRB-approved)

Request Process:

1. Download and complete the Biobank Sample Request Form
2. Upload the completed form to the Specimen tab
3. Submit your request using the “Make a request!” button
4. A confirmation will be sent, followed by committee review

Request Timeline and Urgent Requests
The SFBCI Approval Committee aims to review and process all requests within 2-4 weeks. If your request is time-sensitive, please submit it through the portal and follow up with an email to salina.dominguez@northwestern.edu to indicate the urgency. While we will make every effort to accommodate urgent requests, expedited processing cannot be guaranteed.

Important Notes:

Sample Request Limits: Sample availability varies and is subject to prioritization. Limits may apply based on project scope, rarity of material, and prior usage.

IRB Requirements: Proof of IRB approval will be requested.

Need Help Planning Your Request?

We welcome one-on-one consultations to discuss:

• Best use of limited human biospecimens
• Experimental design and feasibility
• Longitudinal sample availability

 

To schedule a meeting, please contact:

Salina Dominguez – salina.dominguez@northwestern.edu

Biobank Leadership:

The Silver Family Blood Cancer Institute (SFBCI) at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University is responsible for implementing and managing multiple biorepositories. Each biobank is led by its own designated Principal Investigator (PI) based on the scope and objectives of the individual study.

 

Yasmin Abaza, MD

Principle Investigator: Clonal hematopoiesis (CHIP/CCUS) Biobank

Principle Investigator: AML/MDS Biobank

 

Jessica Altman, MD

Co-Principle Investigator: Clonal hematopoiesis (CHIP/CCUS) Biobank

Co-Principle Investigator: AML/MDS Biobank

 

Peng Ji, MD, PhD

SFBCI Approval Committee

 

Lucy A. Godley, MD, PhD

Director Jeff and Marianne Silver Family Blood Cancer Institute

Principle Investigator: Inherited Risk Biobank

Principle Investigator: Lymphoma Biobank

 

Salina Dominguez

SFBCI Clinical Research Associate

 

The Silver Family Blood Cancer Institute (SFBCI) at Northwestern University is made possible through the generous support of the Jeff and Marianne Silver Family. Their philanthropic commitment advances our mission to provide high-quality, well-annotated human biospecimens that enable cutting-edge research in blood cancers and cancer predisposition.