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.

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.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Komen Tissue Bank! We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to our amazing donors, volunteers, and supporters. Your unwavering commitment to our mission makes it possible for us to continue funding vital breast cancer research. We are truly thankful for your support in working towards a future free from breast cancer. Enjoy the holiday!

11/24/2025

Celebrate National Parfait Day on November 25th by layering your treat with berries—a delicious, natural way to add a layer of defense against cancer! 🍓🫐

Research consistently supports the protective role of dietary berries. A study in the journal Antioxidants highlights that the anti-cancer benefits come from the "synergistic action" of a complex mix of phytochemicals and bioactives found in WHOLE BERRIES. This nutrient-rich combination provides a measurable chemopreventive effect.

At the Komen Tissue Bank, we are dedicated to supporting the research that uncovers these vital links between diet, health, and cancer prevention. Every time you choose to eat more whole foods like berries, you are contributing to a healthier future.

Add a scoop of berries to your parfait and make your snack a SUPER-SNACK! What are your favorite berries to use? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Source: Protective Role of Dietary Berries in Cancer, Antioxidants 2016, 5(4), 37 https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox5040037

11/21/2025

What does HOPE look like to you?

To us at the Komen Tissue Bank, it looks like the incredible bond between our dedicated staff and our generous community members.

This powerful interaction you see here represents the foundation of our work: providing researchers worldwide with the highest quality tissue. Every sample shared by our amazing community helps accelerate breakthrough discoveries and brings us closer to a future without breast cancer.

We are profoundly grateful for the commitment shown by everyone who supports the mission of the KTB!

Tell us in the comments: What is one word you associate with breast cancer research?

Address

550 N University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN
46202

Telephone

+13172742366

Website

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

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