Cancer Prevention Research Center(CPRC)

Introduction

The Cancer Prevention Research Center (CPRC) at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences represents a strategic institutional initiative aimed at transforming the regional approach to cancer control — shifting from predominantly treatment-centered models toward proactive, evidence-based prevention.

The Center is dedicated to advancing innovative research in cancer risk reduction. This approach is grounded in a fundamental principle: the most effective strategy to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality is to understand and mitigate etiologic and modifiable risk factors before malignancy develops.

CPRC integrates expertise from basic sciences, clinical medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health to establish a comprehensive research ecosystem focused on preventing cancer onset, recurrence, and progression, particularly within Shahroud and neighboring provinces.

To become a nationally recognized center of excellence in evidence-based cancer prevention, addressing the root causes of cancer and reducing its burden across the population.

This vision is pursued through:

1. National Leadership – Establishing high methodological and ethical standards in cancer prevention research within Iran.

2. Evidence-Based Policy Contribution – Generating robust, locally relevant data to inform national guidelines and health resource allocation.

3. Upstream Prevention Focus – Targeting early stages of the carcinogenic process to maximize public health impact and cost-effectiveness.

The mission of the Cancer Prevention Research Center is:

To translate cutting-edge scientific discoveries into innovative, evidence-based strategies for cancer risk reduction across the population spectrum, ensuring healthier futures by minimizing preventable cancer incidence.

This mission is implemented through four strategic functions:

1. Discovery – Identifying novel risk factors, biological pathways, and protective mechanisms.

2. Translation – Converting laboratory findings into clinical and public health applications.

3. Implementation – Designing and deploying effective prevention programs.

4. Evaluation – Measuring impact using rigorous epidemiological and health economic metrics.

CPRC conducts hypothesis-driven research across four interconnected domains, ensuring continuity from molecular mechanisms to community-level interventions.

This domain focuses on fundamental and translational research to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying cancer development relevant to the regional population.

Key activities include:

• Molecular pathway analysis of cancer initiation and progression

• Genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic profiling of prevalent regional cancers

• Proteomic characterization of susceptibility markers

• Immunological studies of tumor microenvironment and host response

• Integration of molecular findings with histopathological features to improve risk stratification models

This domain defines the burden, distribution, and trajectory of cancer within the community to guide prevention strategies.

Major research activities:

• Large-scale population surveillance studies on incidence, prevalence, survival, and trends

• Focused investigation of high-priority cancers in the Shahroud region, including:

  • Breast cancer

  • Stomach cancer

  • Colorectal cancer

  • Esophageal cancer

  • Thyroid cancer

• Epidemiological mapping of modifiable environmental, occupational, infectious, and lifestyle risk factors

This pillar bridges laboratory discoveries and clinical research to evaluate preventive pharmacologic strategies.

Core activities:

• Clinical trials evaluating efficacy and safety of chemopreventive agents

• Repurposing of existing pharmaceuticals for prevention

• Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) of preventive versus treatment strategies

• Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) assessing long-term survival and secondary prevention outcomes

Recognizing that many cancers arise from modifiable risk factors, this domain develops scalable behavioral and economic interventions.

Key activities:

• Development of culturally adapted behavioral interventions targeting:

  • Tobacco use

  • Diet and nutrition

  • Physical inactivity

  • Infection-related cancers

• Evidence-based health education programs

• Health economic evaluation using:

  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)

  • Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)

• Economic modeling of screening programs versus targeted behavioral interventions

The CPRC operates under a formal statute consisting of nine articles that define its structure, research mandate, financial governance, and ethical responsibilities in accordance with national research regulations and international standards.

Governance Structure

1. Supreme Council (SC)
Provides strategic oversight, approves major budget allocations, validates annual research priorities, and evaluates performance outcomes. Members include senior university leadership, Ministry of Health representatives, and national experts in oncology and public health.

2. Center Director
Oversees operational management, financial administration, research coordination, and strategic implementation. Serves as the primary liaison with university leadership and governing bodies.

3. Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)
Conducts peer review of research proposals, monitors methodological integrity, and ensures adherence to international research standards.

The intellectual foundation and strategic direction of the CPRC are led by its Founding Members:

• Dr. Naghmeh Ahmadian Kia

• Dr. Majid Salehi

• Dr. Ghasem Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi

• Dr. Majid Rahmati

• Dr. Maryam Yarmohammadi

• Dr. Mehdi Ebrahimi

These principal investigators represent expertise in oncology, molecular biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and preventive medicine. Their leadership ensures that the Center’s research portfolio remains scientifically rigorous, regionally relevant, and aligned with the long-term goal of reducing cancer burden in Shahroud and beyond.