VM BRITE
The Virginia Mason and Benaroya Research Institute Tumor Repository (VM BRITE) is a bank of blood and tissue samples from donors who have cancer. Surgeons at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) partner with scientists at BRI to study cancerous tumors and gain new insights into how and why cancer starts and what treatments are most effective.
VM BRITE also collects health information — including family history, medical history and genetic information — from people who participate in this biorepository. This gives researchers more insight into how and why various cancers happen and accelerates the pace toward new discoveries and cures.
We are also looking for family members of all ages who do not have cancer or other immune-mediated or autoimmune diseases, to join our Healthy Control Biorepository.
Participating in research typically involves a 45- minute to -one- hour visit to BRI in downtown Seattle. Our team will collect a blood sample and ask questions about your personal and family medical history. All samples and information are kept confidential. Learn more: Biorepository FAQ
Learn more about cancer and our research.
Donate to the BRITE Cancer biorepository
Consider donating to our biorepository to help advance cancer research.
Meg Mandelson, PhD, MPH
BRI scientists are conducting a wide variety of cancer research projects including:
- Understanding the role a protein called TSLP plays in breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer as well as melanoma
- See all of our Cancer Clinical Trials.
Labs Studying Cancer
Buckner Lab
The Buckner Lab is focused on identifying the underlying mechanisms by which regulation of the adaptive immune response fails or is overcome in the setting of human autoimmunity.
Byrd Lab
The Byrd Lab investigates the role of microorganisms in health and disease, with a particular focus on the gut microbiome — a complex community of bacteria, fungi and viruses that influence immune system activity, disease progression, and response to therapy.
Linsley Lab
Our goal is to develop and use cutting edge systems biology approaches to elucidate molecular signatures of complex immune diseases, understand the mechanisms of disease, and identify the right therapy for the right patient.
Speake Lab
The Speake group is interested in advancing clinical research – especially in type 1 diabetes, but also in the context of other immune-mediated diseases.
Stefani Lab
The goal of our research is to better understand mechanisms of sensing and repair during diseases like cancer, infections, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Ziegler Lab
The Ziegler laboratory is investigating the role of the epithelial cytokines TSLP and IL-33 in regulating protective responses at mucosal barrier surfaces such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Innovation Fund Backs Exciting New Research
Allyson Byrd, PhD, and Cate Speake, PhD, are exploring an innovative tool in immunology research. The questions they can ask are limitless.
Innovation Fund Spotlight: State-of-the-Art Genome Editing To Understand Disease and Develop New Therapies
Learn how CRISPR-Cas9-based genome engineering using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is helping BRI scientists make breakthroughs to study human T cells and explore new treatments for type 1 diabetes, as well as develop preclinical models to study T cells and B cell
Catching Autoimmune Diseases Before They Start
Find out about new advances in autoimmune disease screening from a team led by Cate Speake, PhD.
