Hematologic Malignancies Research Center

About the Center

 

The Hematologic Malignancies Research Center (HMRC), affiliated with the Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy (RIOHCT), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, is focused on advancing research in hematologic malignancies through integrated basic, translational, clinical and data-driven approaches. The Center’s strategic focus includes Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), lymphoid leukemias and lymphomas, molecular abnormalities, biomarkers, minimal residual disease (MRD), genomics, immunology, cancer epidemiology, and real-world evidence (RWE). Its research platform combines active hematologic malignancy registries, advanced molecular and laboratory capabilities, clinical databases, and multidisciplinary expertise. The Center's strategic direction emphasizes national registry development, precision medicine, translational research, clinical trials, evidence generation, technology development and national and international scientific collaboration.

 

Research Focus Area

 

• Genomics, Omics and Molecular Diagnostics
• Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) and Biomarkers
• Cancer Immunology and Precision Medicine
• Clinical Trials and Translational Research
• Disease Registries and Real-World Evidence
• Cancer Epidemiology, Health Economics and Health Policy
• Bioinformatics, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

 

Expertise, Facilities & Research Services

 

• Hematologic malignancy registries and clinical databases (AML, ALL, MDS, CML)
• NGS and advanced genomics/omics research
• Multicolor flow cytometry and MRD assessment
• Molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics (including karyotyping/FISH)
• Biobank and standardized biological sample management
• Clinical trial design, coordination and multicenter studies
• Real-world evidence, epidemiology and advanced statistical analysis
• Bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and machine-learning applications
• Clinical pathway and evidence/guideline development
• Translational research, technology development and industry collaboration

 

Collaboration Opportunities

 

The Center welcomes national and international collaboration in hematologic malignancy registries, multicenter clinical and translational research, real-world evidence studies, genomics and omics, biomarker and MRD development, clinical trials, clinical pathway and guideline development, data science, and technology development. Collaboration may include joint research projects, shared databases and biological resources, laboratory research, researcher and trainee exchange, scientific publications, technology transfer, and partnerships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and knowledge-based companies. The Center's strategy also supports collaboration with hospitals, universities, research laboratories, national health-policy institutions, scientific societies, and international networks to strengthen data-driven research and precision medicine.

 

Director & Key Researchers

 

Director: Dr. Mohammad Vaezi
Deputy Director: Dr. Moloud Absalan
Key researchers / faculty members: Dr. Sahar Tavakoli; Dr. Marjan Yaghmaei; Dr. Bahram Chehardoli; Dr. Soroush Rad; Dr. Ahmadreza Shamsheiri; Dr. Babak Arjmand

 

Selected Achievements

 

• Estimation of the incidence and prevalence of major cancer types in Iran based on national data from 1393–1403.
• Development of national clinical guidelines in hematologic malignancies and supportive care, including diagnosis and treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL & AML), prevention of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and administration of placenta- and fetal-membrane-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

 

Why Collaborate with Us?

 

The Center combines specialized expertise in hematologic malignancies with access to clinical populations, disease registries, advanced molecular and laboratory platforms, and multidisciplinary research capacity. Its integrated strategy connects registry and clinical data with genomics, biomarkers, MRD, translational research and clinical trials. The Center is positioned to support multicenter studies, real-world evidence generation, precision medicine research, technology development and evidence-informed clinical and health-policy decisions.

 

Contact Information

 

• Official name: Hematologic Malignancies Research Center
• Affiliation: Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy (RIOHCT), Tehran University of Medical Sciences
• Postal address: Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran
• Telephone: 02184903691
• Email: horcbmt@sina.tums.ac.ir
• Website: https://riohct.tums.ac.ir/