Innovative Initiatives at MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center

Dr. Morteza Ashrafi, the director of MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center (MPCTRC), recently unveiled significant initiatives planned for MAHAK in near future. These include the establishment of a cancer registry, a biobank, and a research laboratory at MAHAK charity institute.

Dr. Ashrafi outlined two primary focus areas for MPCTRC: education and research. He identified the Research Council as the core component of the research activities, which holds monthly meetings with professionals and experts from MAHAK and other institutions. Since its inception, the council has approved 180 research projects, resulting in 42 published scientific articles.

In terms of education, Dr. Ashrafi highlighted a range of activities, such as organizing national and international congresses, seminars, and training workshops. He emphasized that researchers at MPCTRC have both physical access to the library and virtual access to 20,000 electronic resources. The library features a designated study area equipped with high-speed internet to support all researchers.

Furthermore, MPCTRC has secured subscriptions to reputable journals, which receive monthly updates, ensuring that researchers stay informed of the latest findings in their field. Dr. Ashrafi stressed the importance of registering childhood cancer data to foster knowledge sharing and promote collaboration with similar institutions.

To this end, MPCTRC has formed partnerships with several reputable organizations at national and international level, including Shahid Beheshti University, University of Guilan and Mapina—Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in Iran, Aga Khan Hospital in Pakistan, King Hussein Hospital in Jordan, SickKids in Canada, San Juan in Spain, and Gaslini Hospital in Italy.

Looking forward, the establishment of a biobank and a pediatric research laboratory at MAHAK is a key component of MPCTRC upcoming plans. The biobank will store biological samples from children with cancer, including surgically removed tissues and blood samples, all stored with parental consent.

Taking these initiatives, MPCTRC strives to expand its reach and enhance its activities, making significant contributions to pediatric cancer treatment on a global scale.