In order for the genomics revolution to change how we diagnose, categorize and treat cancer, scientists and clinicians must have access to tumour samples. There has therefore never been a better time to create banks of tumour tissue. Collecting and storing tumour samples and their associated data, however, creates numerous methodological, ethical, legal and technical problems. How can we leap these hurdles in a responsible manner and still make full use of the wealth of information that can be obtained from them?