Storage and analysis of biological samples

Consent processes for LARCH allow the routine collection and storage of tissue samples collected at biopsy or resection.  Each centre will have its own processes for biobanking of this tissue; there is currently no funding for central transfer of these samples, so biobanking will depend on local protocols and will vary on a centre by centre basis.

Routine imaging and radiomic analysis

All scans taken as part of routine care will be stored on hospital servers (as is usual practice). If not already in Newcastle, many of these scans will be transferred using the routine PACS transfer service, to The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. These scans will be subjected to radiomic analysis: scans will be extracted in DICOM format anonymised ensuring removal of all patient identifiable information.