Biomarkers are biological markers that can be used in diagnosis, selecting treatments, and evaluating treatment responses. Having pre-collected samples is invaluable for this research, and the Biobank ensures that researchers and clinicians at the RMMSC at CU — as well as colleagues at other institutions — have access to the materials they need for investigations, experiments and comparative analysis.
MS Center neurologists and clinical staff, with patient consent, collect paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples from patients undergoing lumbar punctures for inclusion in the Biorepository. Researchers also aim to expand sample collection to longitudinal plasma and blood collections from patients starting DMTs and monitor those patients periodically, to learn more about the effects of these medications in MS over time.
To date, the RMMSC Biorepository has collected thousands of samples.
Having these samples available has helped support the research of multiple neuroimmunology investigators and led to collaborations with other investigators resulting in several presentations and publications.
If you are an MS Center patient and would like to contribute to the Biorepository, please ask your care provider at your next visit to see if you’re a candidate for inclusion.