Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository 

Cancer research is evolving rapidly, and the Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository (TIOB) is at the forefront of transformational immunology research. By studying biological samples from diverse populations, researchers at Baylor Scott & White Health are unlocking insights that may lead to earlier cancer detection, improved treatments and innovative immunotherapies. 

Unlocking the future of cancer treatment

Less than 10% of adults with cancer participate in clinical trials, yet much of our research is based on findings from this small subset of patients—patients who are often younger, healthier, and not fully representative of the broader population affected by cancer. As a result, critical gaps remain in our understanding of how cutting-edge treatments, particularly immunotherapies, work in real-world settings across diverse patient populations. 

Breaking barriers to personalized cancer treatment

While immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer care, its success remains unpredictable—some patients achieve long-term remission, while others see little to no benefit. The reason? We simply don’t know enough about the biological factors that drive treatment response. 

Without a deeper understanding of how immunotherapies work across diverse populations in real-world settings, we risk leaving too many patients behind.  

The Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository (TIOB) at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute (BSWRI) was created to bridge this gap. Launched in 2020 with significant philanthropic support, the TIOB has grown rapidly, collecting biospecimens from patients across multiple locations to advance our understanding of immunotherapy and drive the future of personalized cancer treatment.

Learning from each patient we care for

Every patient’s cancer journey is unique, yet current treatments often take a one-size-fits-all approach. The TIOB is helping to change this by providing researchers with critical biological samples—blood, urine, tissue, and stool—collected from a diverse patient population. These samples allow scientists to uncover key insights, including: 

  • How different cells and immune systems respond to cancer treatment 
  • Why some cancers resist treatment or return after remission 
  • Whether genomic, racial, or environmental factors influence treatment outcomes across diverse populations 
  • How to enhance patient response and survival rates through more personalized approaches 

These initiatives are paving the way for more precise, personalized immunotherapies, ensuring that more patients can benefit from life-saving treatments. In alignment with Baylor Scott & White’s effort to intercept early-stage cancers, the TIOB also plays a critical role in the Texas Cancer Interception Institute. With continued investment, TIOB can deepen our understanding of these complexities, leading to better treatments and more lives saved. 

Support the Texas Immuno-oncology Biorepository and change the future of cancer care

Research is vital to improving cancer prevention, early detection and targeted therapies and philanthropy plays a crucial role in accelerating these discoveries.  

The TIOB’s scope, scale and opportunity for impact has resulted in generous support from forward-thinking philanthropic funders who helped launch and grow this effort. 

Your gift can further expand the reach and impact of this important work and help bring more effective treatments to real patients across Texas. 

Featured stories

Read more about how the TIOB is opening the doors to new therapeutic insights and advances in personalized medicine.

Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository launches inaugural research study

Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository launches inaugural research study

March 1, 2023
Much of our current information about how to treat cancer comes from clinical trials; however, there are limits to what we can learn from trials alone. Ronan Kelly, MD, chief of oncology at Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center and the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Chair in Immunology at Baylor University Medical Center, […]
Learn more Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository launches inaugural research study
The answer to successfully treating cancer lies within

The answer to successfully treating cancer lies within

March 1, 2021
Baylor Scott & White Health fosters transformational immunology research that can lead to earlier diagnoses and novel immunotherapies through the new Texas Immuno-Oncology Biorepository (TIOB).
Learn more The answer to successfully treating cancer lies within
Multi-Cancer Early Detection Program

Multi-Cancer Early Detection Program

September 1, 2024
With an aim of intercepting cancers in Texans earlier, the program includes approximately 50,000 MCED tests being administered to BSW patients across North Texas.
Learn more Multi-Cancer Early Detection Program