Named in recognition of the late Cheryl Brown, a tireless advocate for ovarian cancer patients, this unit is located at the British Columbia Cancer Agency and is led by Dr. Anna Tinker. The Unit’s initial tactic was to identify and record treatment and outcomes data for those women referred to the British Columbia Cancer Agency for management of their ovarian cancer in the years 1984-2003. From this effort, the Gynecologic Tissue Bank was able to obtain tumour samples collected at the time of diagnosis and at the time of relapse. The tissue microarrays are only valuable if accompanied by the clinical data supplied by the Outcomes Unit. It is our hope that this unique opportunity to integrate comprehensive treatment and outcomes data with corresponding tissue specimens will enable researchers to identify indicators of tumour behaviour to guide successful treatment. We have recorded approximately 3400 surface epithelial ovarian carcinomas over the past 25 years in a database and collection of prospective cases is ongoing. Additionally, it has contributed to over 70 research projects and is in the process of developing a prospective data collection tool.

Researchers requesting more information may contact us here.