Claire Lewis and colleagues describe why the storage of high-quality human biospecimens is needed to enhance the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Approaches to the management of patients with cancer have been revolutionised by the ability to examine tumours at a genetic and molecular level and tailor treatments accordingly. Underpinning this work is the need for large numbers of high-quality human biospecimens for use in translational research studies to identify new biomarkers for the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Biobanking has subsequently emerged as a dedicated activity to provide the infrastructure required for the standardised collection, storage and distribution of high quality human biospecimens for research purposes. This article provides an overview of the role of biobanks and the vital contribution they make to the delivery of cancer care for patients now and in the future.