Case Study
A Pan-Cancer Research Challenge
About Translational Genomics Research Institute
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, is a leading Arizona-based nonprofit medical research institute committed to using genomic analysis to better understand diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, ALS, autism, and rare childhood disorders — developing treatments that are smarter, faster, and more personalized.
Earlier detection. Smarter treatments. Better outcomes.
- Founded by Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen exemplifies the "bench to bedside" model, rapidly translating lab innovations into clinical applications.
- Its latest ambition: a CLIA-validated, liquid biopsy test capable of pan-cancer early detection using a simple blood draw - affordable, accurate, and widely accessible.
- The collaboration between TGen and Reference Medicine exemplifies how partnership, mutual understanding, and a passion for progress lead to results.
A pan-cancer research challenge
When TGen set out to gather biospecimens for their pan-cancer early-detection study, the goal was ambitious: obtain more than 1,500 samples representing both cancer patients and healthy individuals. Meeting this scale with the necessary quality and diversity was a formidable task – and one that had previously proved difficult with other biospecimen providers.
The TGen team had worked with biobanks in the past. While some offered sample volume, they often fell short in critical areas. In some cases, sample quality was inconsistent, casting doubt on data integrity. Other collections progressed far too slowly, delaying project timelines and threatening downstream CLIA validation. Cost also had to be considered given the required scale, especially for a non-profit.
Adding to the complexity, TGen needed precise cohort structuring. It wasn’t just about volume; samples had to be well-characterized, appropriately matched, and suitable for rigorous diagnostic assay development. Unfortunately, other specimen vendors routinely provided incomplete data, unclear documentation, or had difficulty confirming whether a given sample was still available in inventory — let alone whether it was likely to pass QC.
These pain points weren’t just frustrating – they had real consequences. Without reliable biospecimen access, TGen’s path to offering an advanced diagnostic test to patients risked stalling entirely.
Enter Reference Medicine - The trusted specimen partner TGen needed
In a field where speed and quality often conflict, TGen was searching for a biospecimen provider that could meet tight timelines without sacrificing sample integrity. After industry recommendations led them to Reference Medicine, the decision to partner became clear almost instantly.
While many companies broker access to specimens that are scattered across disparate hospitals, Reference Medicine maintains its own centralized biobank. Every sample is verified, QC’d, and ready for immediate shipping — no delays, no uncertainty. Better still, the pricing was reasonable and absolutely transparent — no hidden fees, no back-and-forth struggle to get a quote. All the information TGen needed was right there. This transparency and communication made the collaboration both efficient and effective — it was clear that this was a specimen provider that had actually sat bench side; they asked all the right questions.
Reference Medicine operates on simple principles: do what you say you’ll do and do it well. While the science behind biospecimen collection isn’t revolutionary, the execution can be painstaking — and for too long, overly complicated by middlemen, inaccurate inventories, and poor follow-through. Reference Medicine’s model isn’t about overpromising — it’s about doing the fundamentals exceptionally well: collection, communication, verification, and delivery.
“As a Lab Manager, Reference Medicine’s process made ordering easy, from the initial request to delivery, including a list of options complete with clean metadata.”
- Victoria Zismann
Filling tall orders helps TGen focus on their important work
From the outset, the Reference Medicine team knew the urgency and complexity of TGen’s project. They not only had a well-maintained, high-quality inventory of biospecimens ready for shipment, but they also brought a deep understanding of the science behind the request. This allowed them to move quickly while also ensuring accuracy, compliance, and scientific relevance.
Reference Medicine’s samples were priced affordably, met stringent quality criteria, and — critically — were ready for immediate shipment. There was no guesswork or delay. Each sample was fully documented, properly QC’d, and supported by robust metadata. This transparency was a breath of fresh air compared to other providers.
Moreover, the Reference Medicine team showed a remarkable degree of scientific partnership. When TGen asked for normal samples with specific demographic traits, Reference Medicine didn’t just check a box — they mobilized their network to open prospective collection sites and explored custom sourcing solutions.
Beyond flexibility, the real value came in their foresight. Reference Medicine often answered questions before they were asked — ensuring cohort diversity, tracking freeze-thaw cycles, and proactively balancing cancer types and stages. These thoughtful touches helped TGen focus on the science rather than worrying about specimen logistics.
“Science goes beyond the sample. It’s clear that Reference Medicine understands the importance of process — and that’s reassuring.”
- Victoria Zismann
Results: A winning team & accelerated testing timeline
The results of this collaboration were both tangible and strategic. Reference Medicine’s high-quality, ready-to-use samples accelerated TGen’s testing timeline significantly.
Speed and reliability – This speed and reliability played a pivotal role in helping TGen move their liquid biopsy oncology test toward CLIA validation — a crucial milestone for any diagnostic tool entering clinical use. Delays in sample access would have directly impacted the validation process, postponing the availability of the test to patients who need it.
Quality consistency – Another key benefit was the consistency of quality. Every Reference Medicine sample was exactly as described — there were no surprises, no compromised data, and no need for rework. This consistency enabled TGen to confidently integrate samples into their assay and maintain a high level of data integrity throughout the validation process.
Critical diversity – Lastly, Reference Medicine’s thoughtful approach to cohort design — ensuring diversity in age, sex, cancer types, and stages — helped TGen develop an assay that would be valuable for a broad range of patients. That level of detail and initiative is rare in a supplier — and invaluable in a partner.
Best of all was the trust built between teams. Communication was efficient, expectations were clearly managed, and there was a shared understanding of the stakes. Reference Medicine didn’t just provide samples; they functioned as a true partner, with a vested interest in the success of the test and its impact on patient care.
“Translational science demands precision. Reference Medicine’s high-quality samples helped reduce the noise and strengthen our outcomes.”
- Victoria Zismann
About Reference Medicine
Reference Medicine is an oncology specimen procurement partner that provides laboratories, startups, academic researchers, and others with the specimens needed to fuel oncology diagnostic innovation. Built by scientists, for scientists, Reference Medicine focuses on delivering a “hassle-free” experience by offering price transparency, online inventory browsing, speedy delivery times, and rapid customer service response rates. We’re focused on elevating the status quo in specimen procurement – we innovate, so you can innovate.
Transparent pricing
With our inventory list, what you see is what you get. Our inventory includes fees for every specimen so there aren’t any unwelcome surprises when you get a quote from us!
Customer focus
We do it all for our customers! We want to be seen as an extension of your team, not just another vendor. Everything we do is to make our customer’s experience the best it can be.
Quality sourcing
We know quality specimens can be hard to come by. That’s why we work with IRB/EC-accredited institutions around the globe and QC their specimens before they even hit our inventory.
Delight guarantee
If your team has any issues with our specimens, we’ll make it right - no questions asked. We’ll work with you to figure out the best way to keep your experiments moving forward.
