The specimen repository is one of the treasures of the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The repository is a bank of frozen specimens from cancer patients established by Institute co-founder Donald L. Morton, MD, and collected since 1971. The specimens are linked to a database containing records for more than 14,600 patients.
The repository is a gateway to the world of personalized cancer care—treatments based on each individual’s unique genetic and biochemical makeup. Thanks to a generous gift from the Irene Dunne Guild, the Institute will soon purchase a new, state-of-the-art, subzero storage unit for the continued collection of specimens, carrying on the vision of Dr. Morton.
“The guild voted unanimously to donate toward the specimen repository,” says Dolly Niemann, chair of the Irene Dunne Guild resource allocation committee. “We are excited to see the synergy between the Health Center and the Institute, and we want to support the continued success of the researchers at the Institute.”
