Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has played a pivotal role in creating lasting resources that continue to shape the future of brain tumour research in Canada. We were instrumental in establishing both the Brain Tumour Registry and the Brain Tumour Tissue Bank—two national, non-profit entities that remain invaluable to researchers today.

By supporting the launch and early growth of these initiatives, BTFC helped lay the foundation for tools that enable breakthroughs in understanding, treatment development, and improved patient outcomes. While each is governed independently, their existence reflects the vision and commitment of our community, whose support ensures that Canadian researchers have access to world-class resources in the fight against brain tumours.

Brain Tumour Registry

Originally established and funded by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, the registry has become a vital tool for understanding brain tumour trends across the country.

In 2024, the Brain Tumour Surveillance Research Collaboration (BTSRC) published a peer-reviewed journal article summarizing the 2021 and 2022 pan-Canadian surveillance reports.

In addition, BTSRC published two peer-reviewed articles: one examining regional survival differences among Canadian patients with common brain tumour types, and another analyzing pre-diagnostic hospital-based health-care costs for patients with malignant brain tumours compared to those with common cancers. Further updates will be provided later this year.

The BTSRC’s work was shared at the Brain Tumour Epidemiology Consortium annual conference and the Society for Neuro-Oncology annual meeting, helping advance discussions on improving brain tumour care and research both in Canada and internationally.

Learn more about the registry at BrainTumourRegistry.ca.

Brain Tumour Tissue Bank

The Brain Tumour Tissue Bank (BTTB) was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Rolando Del Maestro, initially for local brain tumour research. It gradually evolved and expanded to an international resource for brain tumour researchers.

The BTTB represents one of the research arms of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, providing support to researchers through non-monetary means. It has a long and successful record of providing well-preserved, high-quality brain tumour tissue to researchers worldwide.

The Brain Tumour Tissue Bank, located at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, has a wide range of primary and secondary brain tumours, spinal tumours, and peritumours available for molecular, protein, enzyme, and immunohistochemical studies.

High-quality brain tumour tissues have been instrumental in understanding malignancies of the central nervous system. They are required to advance neuro-oncology research and develop new treatment options.

Tumour specimens are supplied to qualified researchers in the hope that someday the cause and cure of brain tumours will be found.

Learn more about the Brain Tumour Tissue Bank.