RESEARCH
Cancer Research Centre
Cancer Research Centre
The Cancer Research Centre (CaRC) at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) is a key national centre dedicated to advancing cancer and haematological research in Malaysia. The Centre comprises three specialised units, Haematology, Molecular Pathology and Stomatology, that collectively support research, diagnostics, training, and consultative services related to cancer and genetic blood disorders.
CaRC conducts research projects across four main research themes: discovery research, screening and early detection, stem cell research, and improvement of treatment and disease management for cancer and blood disorders. Research activities spanned malignant solid tumours, haematological malignancies, thalassaemia, haemophilia, and stem cell–based studies, with strong emphasis on molecular profiling, genomics, precision medicine, and translational research.
The Centre maintained extensive collaboration networks, involving 24 national and 2 international collaborations, and contributed to major initiatives such as whole-exome sequencing studies, CAR-T cell characterisation, biomarker validation, and early cancer detection tools tailored to the Malaysian population. In addition to research, CaRC plays a critical role in specialised diagnostic services. The Haematology laboratories processed tens of thousands of tests, including molecular diagnostics for thalassaemia, haemophilia, leukaemia translocations, AML mutation panels, and chimerism studies for stem cell transplantation monitoring. The Stomatology Unit also provided diagnostic histopathology services for oral cancers and related diseases, supporting hospitals across multiple Malaysian states. Overall, CaRC serves as a national reference centre that integrates high-impact cancer research, advanced molecular diagnostics, workforce training, and clinical support, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s cancer control, precision medicine, and haematological disease management efforts.
Executive Summary
Head of Cancer Research Centre
Dr. Adiratna binti Mat Ripen
MD (University of Tokushima, Japan), PhD Medical Science Immunology (University of Tokushima, Japan)
Telephone: +603-3362 7744
Email: adiratna@moh.gov.my
Centre Objectives
To advance health through high-quality biomedical and translational research in cancer, stem cell and regenerative medicine, genetic haematological disorder and oral diseases.
To support national health priorities in the early detection, risk stratification, treatment, prevention and control of related diseases.
To provide high-impact research and evidence-based diagnostic services to strengthen patient care and inform clinical decision-making.
To develop national expertise in oncology, haematology, oral diseases, stemcell research, and regenerative medicine.
To promote public and professional understanding of cancer and other related diseases through the Centre’s programmes and initiatives.
Centre Functions
To conduct basic and translational biomedical research in cancer, stem cell and regenerative medicine, genetic haematological disorder and oral diseases.
To provide specialized testing for cancer detection and monitoring, molecular profiling, and genetic assessment.
To develop and evaluate new tools for diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring, including immunotherapy and precision medicine.
To carry out consultancies, training, knowledge sharing, and collaborative partnership for government bodies, health agencies, and research institutions.
To disseminate research findings and epidemiological data through publications, conferences, and platforms to support national cancer prevention and control programs.
Human Resource Profile
Specialists
Medical Officers
Dental Officer
Pharmacists
Research Officers
Science Officers
Support Staffs
Haematology Unit
The Haematology Unit integrates research and advanced diagnostics in haematology-oncology to support precision medicine, and leads stem cell and regenerative medicine studies for disease modelling and therapeutic innovation.
Key Activities
- Haemato-oncology research and diagnostics to advance precision medicine.
- Genetic blood disorder studies on thalassaemia and haemophilia for better diagnosis and patient care.
- Biomarker discovery for targeted and personalised therapy.
- Stem cell and regenerative medicine for disease modelling and treatment innovation.
- GMP-compliant production of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), exosomes, and biologics for translational research and therapy development.
Molecular Pathology Unit
The Molecular Pathology Unit aims to advance Precision Oncology in Malaysia through strategic cancer prevention and screening, early detection, prognosis and personalized treatment.
Key Activities
- Multi-omics analysis of cancers and the associated pathogens
- Cancer biomarker discovery, evaluation and development
- Establishment of cancer models for drug development at the pre-clinical phase
Stomatology Unit
The Stomatology Unit provides oral diagnostic histopathology, biomedical research, training, and consultative services in oral pathology and medicine, supporting national oral health initiatives and maintaining Malaysia’s largest oral biopsy archive for education and biomedical research.
Key Activities
- Microscopic Diagnosis of Oral and Jaw Lesions
- Clinicopathological and Biomarker Research in Oral, Odontogenic, and Salivary Gland Tumours
- Training and Attachments in Oral Pathology and Medicine
- Consultation and Support for National Oral Pathology and Ministry of Health Programs
- Management of Malaysia’s Oral Biopsy Specimen Archive