Laboratory research using blood samples
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of the effect of novel cancer treatments on components of human blood
IRAS ID
253836
Contact name
Kerry Fisher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
The effect of novel cancer treatments on normal human blood components.
Researchers in the Department of Oncology are undertaking important new research to understand human immune function and to develop new treatments for cancer. Cancers have a particular ability to evade detection by the immune system which is a potential barrier to successful treatment. The new treatments include agents that are aimed at stimulating human white blood cells (a component of the immune system) to find and destroy cancer cells. Determining how these new treatments affect the activity of human white blood cells and other blood components is an important part of the research.
Each individual experiment will involve the collection of blood or blood components from anonymous, consenting donors to National Health Service Blood and Transplant. Blood samples will be characterized and processed as needed for particular experiments (e.g. to isolate specific populations of cells). Novel cancer treatments will be applied to the blood components and the effect of these treatments assessed using standard laboratory techniques. In parallel, we will also conduct experiments with existing drugs and treatments or ‘mock’ treated samples in order to draw comparisons. In some cases, samples will be frozen for temporary storage prior to experimentation where experiments are time-sensitive.
No personal donor information is sought for these studies and no further interventions are planned. At the end of each individual experiment the samples will either be destroyed (consumed by experimentation) or kept for re-analysis at a later date. At the end of the entire study, all samples not already consumed during experimentation will be destroyed through clinical waste disposal (incineration) unless a further ethics application is submitted.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1848
Date of REC Opinion
19 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion