Many fields of medicine are moving towards more personalised patient care. The aim is to identify the most appropriate therapies and medicinal products for each individual patient. Achieving this requires close integration between biological samples, research, and patient care.

 

The Hematological Biobank has been established to support research into haematological diseases. The goal is to develop methods to improve prevention, earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment and follow-up for haematological diseases.

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Haematological diseases and related research

Haematological malignancies represent a heterogeneous group of conditions with underlying mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Certain leukaemias that are unresponsive to current therapies remain especially challenging.

 

Molecular medicine is expected to provide new insights, but identifying disease-relevant molecular targets and developing targeted therapies requires extensive research. Biobank research enables more efficient investigation of these molecular factors.

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The mission of the Hematological Biobank is to:

• collect and store biological samples and related data

• provide samples and data for research in the field of haematology

• ensure the protection of the sample donors’ privacy, data security, and right to information.

 

Sample donor information sheet and informed consent

The collection of biobank samples, as well as the storage and use of samples and related data in biobank research, requires the patient’s voluntary informed consent and acceptance.

 

The consent documents of the Hematological Biobank will be published here later.

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Sample processing and research permits

Samples are collected at the hospitals treating patients and transported to the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) for processing and storage. All the samples are frozen at –70°C and subsequently transferred to long-term storage in the gas phase of liquid nitrogen (–180°C).

 

To ensure high-quality research using biobank materials, it is essential that samples and related data are collected comprehensively and in accordance with robust, standardised procedures. In the Hematological Biobank, collection, processing, storage, and distribution are governed by standard operating procedures and documented guidelines.

 

Researchers may, subject to a decision by the biobank’s Executive Board, be granted access to coded (pseudonymised) samples and related data. The Executive Board of the Hematological Biobank decides on the use of the samples and data, taking into account the requirements of the Biobank Act (688/2012), the objectives of the biobank, and the clinical utility and applicability of the research results in patient care.

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A national biobank for Finland

Biobank activities in Finland are regulated by the Biobank Act (688/2012). The Act provides the framework for the use of biological samples and related data in medical research while securing the rights of the sample donors. The Biobank Act also enables the use of samples in future research that have not been specified at the time of collection. In Finland, activities governed by the Biobank Act are directed and supervised by the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea), which is also responsible for maintaining the national biobank register.

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Ownership

The Hematological Biobank is owned by the Finnish Hematology Association (SHY) and the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), which operates as part of the University of Helsinki. The samples and data are under the ownership and governance of the biobank’s owners.

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The hospitals treating patients with haematological diseases participate in the biobank’s operations. The Association of Cancer Patients in Finland also contributes to planning biobank operations and to the Executive Board's work.​​

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Hematological Biobank.