The Molecular Pathology Unit was established in 1996, primarily to harness the latest advances and cutting-edge technologies in molecular biology to carry out quality research on cancers that are of local importance. The new findings are envisioned to be translated for the protection and improvement of people's health. Major focus of the Unit was the top two cancers in Malaysia, namely breast cancer and colorectal cancer since 1996, followed by nasopharyngeal carcinoma from year 2007. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated cancer that is less studied worldwide but most common among natives and male adults of age less than 40 years in Malaysia.
While the fundamental principles of cancer biology can be similar for all types of cancers, the best detection and treatment strategies for cancers originating from different organs (e.g. cancer of the breast, colon, lung etc.), subtypes and immune profiles can be remarkably different. Since Southeast Asians are most affected by EBV-attributed cancers as compared to other populations worldwide, the Unit currently focuses on the discovery for prevention, early detection and screening for EBV associated cancers. In addition, efforts are put into the establishment of cancer models from local patients and improving case management especially for the common cancers in Malaysia. The Unit welcomes and carries out collaborative research with others to improve prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of all cancers. We also provide expertise especially in genomics, bioinformatics, pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies to support cutting edge cancer research.
