The tumour bank holds some 350 samples collected over 12 years in collaboration with surgeons and oncologists at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Professor Bryan Day said.

"Brain cancer has been put in the 'too hard basket' for too long and we hope this approach will lead to better outcomes for adults and children with cancer,' he said.

"We are generating brain cells in dishes that allow us to drive our research. Think of the cells as the foundation of a house for researchers looking to improve outcomes for patients."

The tumours are taken directly from the theatre to the lab, where the tissue is stored in freezers at minus 80C.

"This allows us to go back many years later and cut off the tumour cells. It is a wonderful resource that allows us to analyse the cells in greater detail," Prof Day said.

"We don't know what new or innovative approaches are going to be developed but the tumour bank will allow us to come back and examine cells many years later."

The project has led to a number of global collaborations since its origin in 2009.

"We've made these cells available in America, Europe and Asia and they've already led to multiple discoveries. There are more than 50 publications that have led to more clinical trials," Prof Day said.

Australian Associated Press