Research at SKMCH&RC is focused on trying to develop a better understanding of cancer in our population and finding the best way to treat and manage patients in a developing country.

Over coming years our expanding knowledge of cancer will have a major impact on our ability to predict an individual's level of risk of developing cancer; our ability to detect and diagnose cancer early and our ability to select treatments which are most likely to be effective. We aim to create a bridge between the laboratory and clinic through translational studies to improve diagnosis, management and prognosis for our patients.

Research Division Overview

• The Clinical Research Office , an active clinical trials office involved in several international studies from major pharmaceutical companies. Data from clinical trials of drugs used to treat cancer worldwide enables us to evaluate the dose, duration and effectiveness of treatment for our patients.
  
  
• Cancer Registry and Clinical Data Management (CRCDM) unit and Disease Specific Registry are responsible for maintaining the hospital based cancer registry, compiling a disease specific index (cancerous and non-cancerous) using international classification systems on all cancer/non-cancer patients registered and/or treated at this hospital, and running the disease specific projects. It generates cancer statistics from the registry database using an advanced medical records system, a part of the hospital information system. To further study the epidemiology of cancers, the unit is attempting to develop a population-based city wide cancer registry with the collaboration of other hospitals and laboratories within the city of Lahore. The registry has also been involved in conducting a pilot project on breast cancer screening in a locality close to the hospital.
  
  
• The Basic Science Research Laboratory is equipped to conduct molecular, cellular and genetic studies. The lab is involved in trying to gain information about genetic and environmental risk factors for common cancers in Pakistan, through combined epidemiological and basic science studies. Specific viruses have also been linked to cancer; studies are being conducted to explore the role of known pathogens in the development of cancer in our population, with the hope that effective preventative measures will reduce the number of cases. The immunology and pathogenesis of different cancers is currently being explored through a number of research projects by the research scientists of SKMCH&RC to find better ways to diagnose cancer at early stages and to monitor effectiveness of treatment.