Cancer Research Malaysia at AACR Annual Meeting 2026
Introduction
Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) participated in the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, held from 17–22 April 2026 in San Diego, California, USA. Recognised as one of the world’s leading cancer research conferences, AACR 2026 brought together more than 23,000 participants from 141 countries, alongside hundreds of exhibitors, clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders. The meeting served as a global platform for unveiling cutting-edge discoveries, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and shaping the future direction of oncology research and care.
This year marked a significant milestone not only for CRMY but many other organisations from around the world. The team’s participation reflected not only the organisation’s expanding scientific contributions, but also Malaysia’s growing presence within the international cancer research landscape.
AACR Runners for Research 5K
One of the highlights of the AACR experience was Team CRMY’s participation in the AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk, where thousands of participants came together in support of cancer research initiatives. Participating for the first time, Team CRMY successfully surpassed its fundraising target, with all contributions directed towards advancing cancer research efforts.
Collectively, the event raised more than USD254,000 in support of cancer research, demonstrating the powerful impact that community driven initiatives and public engagement can have in accelerating scientific progress. Beyond fundraising, the event also reinforced a shared sense of purpose and solidarity among researchers, patients, advocates, and supporters worldwide.
Scientific Highlights and Emerging Themes
Throughout the meeting, several key scientific themes emerged across plenary sessions, symposia, and poster presentations. A major highlight was the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer research. Discussions explored how AI is increasingly being positioned as a “co-scientist”, capable of analysing complex biomedical datasets, accelerating hypothesis generation, and expanding access to scientific expertise. For researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), these advancements could represent a transformative shift in research capacity and accessibility.
Equally prominent were discussions surrounding therapeutic resistance, tumour plasticity, and minimal residual disease, all of which remain major barriers to achieving durable cancer treatment outcomes. Researchers presented significant advances in understanding these biological mechanisms and developing strategies to overcome them.
Another critical topic was the global rise in early onset cancers. Data presented at the meeting highlighted concerning trends, particularly in regions where healthcare systems are already under strain. These discussions reinforced the importance of conducting locally relevant research to better understand population-specific risk factors, disease patterns, and healthcare needs.
CRMY Research Contributions
CRMY researchers presented a diverse portfolio of work spanning discovery science, translational research, computational biology, and population health.
Dr Annie Wai Yeeng Chai presented her work on identifying inhibitors for ADAR1, an essential gene implicated in multiple cancer types. Building upon earlier functional genomic screening efforts, her research continues to advance the understanding of potential therapeutic targets for difficult to treat cancers.
Ms Yee Pei San shared findings on predictive gene expression signatures of ADAR1 in oral cancer. Her research contributes to the growing body of work aimed at improving precision oncology approaches and patient stratification.
Dr Mohd Suffian Azizan introduced a neoantigen discovery pipeline developed at CRMY, forming a key component of the organisation’s cancer vaccine programme. His presentation attracted strong interest and engagement from international experts in cancer bioinformatics and immunotherapy.
Dr Boon Hong Ang presented a clinically relevant tool designed to identify Asian ovarian cancer patients who are most likely to carry BRCA mutations. The tool has the potential to support more efficient allocation of genetic testing resources, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings.
Voices from AACR – Reflections from the Team
Prof Dr Sok Ching Cheong described AACR 2026 as both energising and deeply grounding. From high level discussions on AI-driven cancer research to reconnecting with long term collaborators, she reflected on how the meeting reinforced the understanding that cancer research is ultimately a collective and long term endeavour. She also emphasised the importance of effective science communication, noting that impactful research must extend beyond academia to reach policymakers, funders, patients, and the wider public.
Dr Annie Wai Yeeng Chai described AACR 2026 as a “full-circle moment”. Having previously participated virtually, attending the conference in person provided a renewed sense of connection with the global scientific community. Her experience serving as GSAC Chair and engaging with GSITA scholars further highlighted the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and nurturing future scientific talent.
Dr Mohd Suffian Azizan shared that the opportunity to engage directly with experts in his niche field of cancer bioinformatics was especially valuable. For researchers working within specialised domains in LMIC settings, such opportunities are relatively rare. The discussions and feedback received during the conference provided important perspectives that will continue to strengthen his ongoing work.
Ms Yee Pei San reflected on the inspiration gained from presenting her research on an international stage. She noted that the experience helped contextualise her work within broader global efforts in cancer research and underscored the importance of teamwork and collaboration in driving meaningful scientific impact.
Dr Boon Hong Ang highlighted the diversity and scale of research presented throughout AACR 2026. She also raised important considerations regarding the need for greater emphasis on prevention strategies, cost effectiveness, and real world applicability when translating research into LMIC healthcare settings.
Community, Collaboration and Future Impact
Beyond the scientific sessions, AACR 2026 also provided valuable opportunities for community engagement and international collaboration. Networking sessions, diversity focused receptions, and leadership gatherings enabled the CRMY delegation to strengthen relationships with global collaborators and establish new partnerships for future research initiatives.
These engagements continue to open doors for knowledge exchange, collaborative opportunities, and capacity building efforts that are essential for advancing cancer research in Malaysia and across the region.
Conclusion
AACR 2026 reaffirmed CRMY’s role as an active contributor to the global fight against cancer. The meeting highlighted not only the rapid pace of scientific advancement, but also the importance of ensuring that innovation remains inclusive, equitable, and relevant across diverse healthcare settings. The conference also further strengthened CRMY’s growing relationship with AACR following the successful organisation of AACR on Campus 2025 in collaboration with local partners in Malaysia. These continued engagements reflect a shared commitment towards advancing cancer research, scientific exchange, and capacity building within the region.
For CRMY, the experience served as both validation and motivation to continue advancing impactful research, strengthen international partnerships, and ensure that scientific progress ultimately benefits every patient and community.
References
AACR Annual Meeting 2026: https://aacr-2026.org/
AACR Runners for Research 5K: https://donate.aacr.org/participants/8034
AACRoC x CRMY 2025: https://aacroc.org/