Biobank-iMM contains biological samples of blood, bone, saliva, serum, urine, DNA, cartilage fluid, and tumour tissues from healthy and sick people. The aim is to study various diseases, cancers, and rheumatological and neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

In 2015 the Laço Association joined the iMM, creating the iMM-Laço Fund: On the Way to Healing, with the purpose of supporting research projects in the specific field of breast cancer, so that it can respond to, and create solutions, for the several women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

On 30 and 31 October, the iMM and the Laço Association will carry out a blood collection campaign. According to information given by the iMM, these collections will allow "studying the immune system and how it may play a key role in inhibiting tumour growth, metastasis formation, or even how it may be a valuable aid in the regression or elimination of tumours. Two research activities are also being carried out on the genetics of tumours. One of them seeks to understand which mechanism triggers bone metastases. The other focuses on the genetic analysis of tumours to predict the response to chemotherapy in women with early-stage breast cancer, and also to identify the type of tumours with the highest risk of metastasis".

Sérgio Dias, Group Leader of iMM and Professor of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, reports that more than 160 thousand samples have already been donated and that this is due to the over 15 thousand people who collaborated.

These numbers are a source of pride for the team and justify the continuity of these campaigns.

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Sources: Diário de Notícias Journal and iMM

Image credits: iMM