Center for Translational Research

The activities of the Center for Translational Research reside at the intersection of biomedical advances in genomics/diagnostics and precision medicine.  The knowledge inherent in each patient’s individual DNA or disease sub-types is key to delivering the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.  Tailoring and personalizing treatments through advanced diagnostic offerings eliminates waste and decreases time to optimal treatment- thus creating the opportunity to improve patient outcomes- all important elements in healthcare reform preparedness.    This dynamic is playing out effectively in oncology and cardiology, with other disease states emerging.  CTR seeks to further the science of and adoption of advanced diagnostics by directly engaging CHI hospitals and clinicians/researchers in system-wide programs. One such program is the multi-site collection of consented patient biospecimens and accompanying clinical information.   This biorepository will be a resource to CHI researchers and CTR partners in the discovery of novel signatures that stratify patients by treatment response, disease progression, or potential toxicities. 

The detailed process of gathering biospecimens is carried out by trained research nurses at a number of CHI facilities. Listen to Heather Benzel explain how she gathers biospecimens from patients, and how they are used by CIRI.