Biomedical research

Lors d'une prise en charge à l'IUCT Oncopole, il est possible que votre médecin vous propose de participer à une recherche biomédicale.

If you are being treated at the IUCT Oncopole, your physician may ask you to participate in biomedical research. It aims to develop medical knowledge so that eventually, all patients with the same disease as you can benefit from this knowledge.
Depending on the case, this research may focus on:

  • a new treatment or a new combination of treatments already known;
  • a new treatment technique, e.g. new radiotherapy or diagnosis modes, or a new blood test method;
  • innovative material.


This type of research is carried out within a highly regulated framework, complying with the public health law of 9 August 2004 and its implementing decrees. If you are asked to participate in such a study, you will be given a detailed information leaflet explaining how the research will be conducted after a discussion with your physician. You are entirely free to accept or refuse. If you agree, in all cases you will have to sign a document called "informed consent". You will be given a copy of the document. Be aware that you can withdraw your consent at any time (even during the course of the study).
During your medical follow-up, samples may be taken (blood, biopsy for diagnosis, etc.). If all of these samples are not used, the unused ones can be kept for research purposes.
To this end, the IUCT Oncopole Biological Resources Center (BRC) ensures that:

  • the donor has agreed and signed the consent form (an example of the information leaflet and consent form will be given to you at an appointment);
  • from the moment they enter the bank, samples are coded in order to ensure confidentiality;
  • samples are made available to researchers in a controlled and completely anonymous way (no one will know the name of the donor);
  • the primary care physician is informed of any important scientific results for treatment;
  • any potential genetic studies can only focus on markers which will allow a better understanding of the disease and its evolution, and will never permit the identification of the person (genetic fingerprinting);
  • the projects have real scientific value. For this reason, the BRC requires prior analysis of research projects by the IUCT Oncopole's scientific committee before any samples and associated data are released.


The IUCT Oncopole BRC is a structure authorized by the Ministry of Research for its sample (AC-2008-126) and data (CNIL Approval No. 1261131 of 07/11/2007) management activities. It is also in the process of being certified by AFNOR (NF S 96-900).