Bioresource Based Studies of the Digestive System 2026

• Research type

  Research Tissue Bank

• IRAS ID

  366387

• Research summary

  Bioresource based studies of the digestive system in children and adults 2026

• REC name

  London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  26/LO/0327

• Date of REC Opinion

  28 May 2026

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion

• Data collection arrangements

  1. Discarded ‘normal’ tissues i.e. those that have been removed as a consequence of surgery but are not required for the diagnosis
  2. Discarded diseased tissues where these are superfluous to pathological diagnosis
  3. Additional bio-sampling taken with research intent but requiring little or no increase in patient intervention e.g. single routine venepuncture during a clinic visit, additional biopsies at a planned endoscopy, buccal swab, tiny skin or muscle biopsies during major abdominal surgery
  4. Secretory and waste specimens including sputum, urine, faeces which are normal products of human physiology, and can be readily and non-invasively obtained
  5. Archive tissues obtained under the Human Tissue Act.
  6. Data collection will be based on the specific study approved and will mainly be routinely collected clinical data available in the trust electronic patient. In some cases, this may include relevant patient questionnaires

  CONSENT: Patients identified via clinic surgical and endoscopy waiting lists by a member of their clinical care team will be provided with PIS and form for patient and/or carers to read. An investigator with appropriate training in informed consent and GCP obtains consent after discussion with patient / carers, and after answering any questions.
  

• Research programme

  The broad scope of the protocol allows for a single consent process for single or multiple researchers. This streamlines the undertaking of consent for the patient and also allows for more transparent and consistent standardised governance. The current proposal seeks continued approval for Trusts which utilise pathology / morbid anatomy services at Barts Health NHS Trust (and are closely linked with the Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry). These are: the individual legacy Trusts of Barts Health (Barts, Royal London, Whipps Cross University Hospital and Newham University Hospital) and the Homerton University NHS Foundation Trust. It also now includes the Cleveland Clinic London due to an ongoing research collaboration between Queen Mary Univertisy of London and Cleveland Clinic at which several Barts Health gastroenterologists practice. This is in keeping with the SOPs developed in conjunction with Barts Health consultant colorectal surgeons and GI Pathologists whose scope of practice spans The Royal London Hospital and Cleveland Clinic London

• Storage license

  12199

• RTBTitle

  Bioresource based studies of the digestive system in children and adults 2026

• Establishment organisation

  Queen Mary University of London

• Establishment organisation address

  Joint Research Management Office Research Services Dept. W 69-89 Mile End Rd

  London

  E1 4UJ