A New Era of Collaboration in Pediatric Cancer Research and Innovative Treatments

March 10, 2025 (Esfand 20, 1403 - Tehran, Iran)
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed between the MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Charity Foundation and the Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). This partnership aims to expand cooperation in biomedical research, clinical innovation, and advanced technologies to benefit children with cancer.

The signing ceremony was held at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, attended by key officials and representatives, including:

Dr. Seyed Reza Raees-Karami, President of TUMS

Dr. Arasb Ahmadian, CEO of MAHAK

Dr. Mohsen Roozrokh, Director of the MAHAK Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Research Center

Dr. AmirAli Hamidieh, Head of the Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center

 Key Areas of Cooperation and Objectives

Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties agreed to collaborate in the following areas:

Basic and clinical research in pediatric oncology
Joint projects will focus on cell and gene therapies as emerging and promising strategies for treating childhood cancers.

Development of research, technology, and clinical infrastructure
The goal is to enhance capabilities for delivering advanced, science-based treatments to pediatric patients.

Knowledge and expertise exchange
Workshops, educational seminars, and co-developed research-technology initiatives will facilitate knowledge transfer among researchers and clinicians.

Support for children with cancer
Collaborative efforts will focus on clinical innovation and holistic care approaches to improve quality of life for patients and their families.

The Importance of This Collaboration in Advancing Pediatric Cancer Care

During the event, Dr. Seyed Reza Raees-Karami emphasized the critical role of scientific collaboration, stating:

“Breakthroughs in gene and cell therapy are transforming the treatment landscape for intractable diseases such as pediatric cancer. Partnerships between academic research centers and nonprofit organizations like MAHAK can significantly accelerate progress in this field.”

Dr. Arasb Ahmadian, CEO of MAHAK, added:

“Our mission has always been to deliver the highest standard of care to children with cancer. This agreement represents a major step toward integrating cutting-edge science into patient care by collaborating with leading research institutions.”

Dr. Mohsen Roozrokh, head of MAHAK’s Cancer Research Center, also highlighted the organization’s growing investment in research and technology in recent years, alongside its ongoing therapeutic efforts.

Finally, Dr. AmirAli Hamidieh stressed the transformational potential of advanced therapies:

“This MoU lays the groundwork for joint high-impact research projects that can lead to new treatment protocols and significantly enhance recovery outcomes for young patients.”

 A Hopeful Step Forward

This strategic partnership marks a meaningful advancement in both medical research and clinical practice for pediatric cancer. The collaboration between a renowned charitable foundation and a cutting-edge academic research center not only helps expand Iran’s scientific capacity but also brings new hope to children battling cancer and their families.