Behind the Scenes: Exploring CRMY’s Core Laboratory Unit

Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) houses nine science units, each serving a unique purpose ranging from laboratory research to social engagement initiatives. Today, we would like to highlight the Core Laboratory Unit and provide insight into the important work we do. CRMY’s Head of the Core Laboratory Unit, Dr Joanna Lim, will be taking us through a Q&A session to share more about her team’s research efforts. Through this session, we hope you will gain a deeper understanding of the Core Laboratory (fondly referred to as Core Lab) Unit’s contribution to cancer research in Malaysia and beyond. We hope this session will help raise awareness of the critical role that research plays in understanding cancer and developing new treatments.

1. What does Core Lab do in CRMY?

CRMY’s Core Lab plays a crucial role in the study of cancer and the development of new treatments. This lab is responsible for collecting and storing samples from patients participating in research studies and clinical trials. These samples are called biobanks and they provide important information about an individual’s risk of developing cancer, and the genetic makeup of cancer cells and how they respond to different treatments. It is collected from patients and can include things like blood, tissue, stool and other bodily fluids. The scientists are required to ensure that the samples are properly collected, labelled and stored as their quality is essential to the success of any research. By collecting these samples and keeping them in biobanks, researchers can study the genetic, proteomic and metabolic changes that occur in cancer cells over time.

Additionally, Core Lab also helps to evaluate new scientific technologies that could be useful in cancer research. This means they are always looking for new tools and techniques that could help researchers better understand cancer and develop new treatments.

2. What is the importance of Core Lab Unit?

Core Lab Unit is an essential component in the field of biomedical research, as it plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of biological samples. It provides specialised services related to biological sample collection, processing, and analysis. Maintaining the integrity of biological samples is crucial in this lab because it ensures that the research findings are reliable and can potentially lead to advancements in healthcare. Samples may be compromised by factors such as contamination, degradation, or mishandling, which can affect the accuracy and reproducibility of research results. By carefully monitoring and controlling the conditions under which samples are collected, processed, and analysed, Core Lab’s help to ensure that the research findings are valid and accurate, ultimately leading to impactful improvements in disease prevention and medical treatments.

3. How many people do you have in Core Lab Unit?

Besides myself, there are 2 people on my team; Siti Norhidayu Hasan, Research Associate and Audrey Lee, Research Assistant. Ayu is in charge of managing the biobanks, which involves the collection, processing and storage of biological samples. These samples are essential for studying cancers and developing new preventative measures and treatments. Ayu is also responsible for conducting biomarker testing using Nanostring technology for a clinical trial. Biomarkers are measurable indicators of a biological state, such as a disease or infection, and can provide valuable insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Audrey, on the other hand, is responsible for organising sample logistics both nationally and internationally, ensuring that samples are collected, transported, and stored efficiently and correctly. Furthermore, Audrey performs Asian biomarker test for a clinical trial. This involves using Polymerase Chain Reaction to detect the presence of a gene deletion that may provide insight into response to immunotherapy. It’s not a big team but we are planning to expand.

4. Do you work closely with any other science unit?

Of course! We believe that collaboration is key to achieving groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. By working closely with all science units and national and international researchers, we foster a cross-functional approach that facilitates sharing of unique perspectives, knowledge, expertise, and resources. This approach breaks down silos and promotes a common understanding of the organisation’s overall mission, leading to more impactful research and innovation.

5. What is Core Lab’s greatest achievement?

In 2006-2019, we coordinated logistics and centralised BRCA testing for 790 ovarian cancer patients from 21 hospitals in a nationwide study (MaGiC). We identified 107 BRCA carriers across Malaysia. Patients and their families were referred to genetic counsellors for risk management, and make empowered decisions in preventing cancers in their families. In this study, we also led the curation of BRCA variants in our Asian population which will help the global research community understand the impact of BRCA variants in disease.

We have also established the largest Asian breast cancer biobank which enabled the discovery of two Asian biomarkers that are currently being tested in clinical trials on their ability to predict response to targeted therapies. We are continually expanding biobanks in other cancers (such as ovarian, lung and liver) to enable more scientific discoveries that lead to better ways to prevent and treat cancers.

6. What is the biggest challenge Core Lab Unit has faced?

Cancer is a complex disease that involves genetic mutations and variations. The development of precision medicine, which aims to provide targeted and personalised therapies for cancer patients, relies heavily on a comprehensive understanding of these genetic variations. Unfortunately, limited resources and access to advanced technologies have hindered cancer research and delayed the adoption of precision medicine. Without the necessary resources, it is difficult to conduct the large?scale studies and analyses needed to identify and characterise genetic variations in cancer. To address this issue, it is essential to invest in research and increase funding for precision medicine initiatives. By doing so, we can better understand the genetic basis of cancer and develop more effective treatments for patients.

7. Where do you see Core Lab Unit 10 years from now?

Over the next 10 years, we can expect to see significant advancements in technology that will enable us to more accurately diagnose and treat patients based on their individual genomic profiles. Core Lab Unit should be leading the way in this effort by investing in research, collaborating with other institutions, and industry partners and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. By investing in research and development, Core Lab Unit can contribute to the growth of the healthcare industry and improve outcomes for patients.

Special thanks to Dr Joanna for enlightening us about Core Lab Unit. Dr Joanna was one of the early joiners and she’s bringing over 10 years of experience and knowledge in the field of genetics to CRMY. Dr Joanna has experience in platelet biology during her honours at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases and thymic epithelial research during her PhD at Monash University, Australia. She then joined Monash IVF in preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening.

Now, Dr Joanna is leading the Core Lab Unit to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, utilising their expertise in biospecimen collections and genetic technologies to facilitate translational cancer research and the adoption of precision medicine in Malaysia.

Support CRMY Core Lab Unit in their research to find a cure for cancer.
The fight is not over yet.