TUMOR TISSUE
COLLECTION
The biological starting point for TIL therapy. No tissue β no therapy. Here is why this step matters and what makes a sample actually useful.
Why the Sample Matters So Much
TIL therapy works because your tumor already contains immune cells that entered to fight the cancer and got overwhelmed. The only place those cells exist is inside the tumor. What the lab receives directly shapes what it can produce β a well-collected viable sample gives scientists strong material to work with.
How the Sample Gets Collected
The collection method depends on where the tumor is and what is safely accessible.
- 1
Surgical Resection
Removing a segment of tumor during a planned operation. Typically yields the most viable material β preferred when safely accessible.
- 2
Core Needle Biopsy
Image-guided, minimally invasive. Appropriate for tumors that do not require full surgery.
- 3
Bronchoscopic or Endoscopic Biopsy
Used when tumors are in the airways, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract.
- 4
Excisional Biopsy
Removing an entire accessible lesion β often used when a lymph node is involved.
What Makes a Sample Actually Useful
Fresh Tissue
Collected and processed promptly β not fixed in preservation chemicals. Formalin-fixed archived tissue is not viable for TIL expansion.
Living TIL Cells
Areas of the tumor that are necrotic or mostly scar tissue have far fewer functional immune cells. Viable, active TIL cells are what the lab needs.
What Happens the Moment After Collection
The tissue is preserved immediately and transported to a GMP-certified manufacturing facility β specialized environments built specifically for growing human immune cells under controlled, contamination-free conditions. Timing matters: fresh tissue degrades and cell viability is time-sensitive. Once the tissue arrives, the lab begins extraction and culture right away.
Next Steps in the TIL Therapy Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Tumor Tissue Collection
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination β travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
Planning a Biopsy for TIL Therapy?
Upload your medical records and imaging. We will assess whether your tumor is accessible for tissue collection and coordinate with the appropriate manufacturing program.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist before making treatment decisions.