# Immune Oncology Research Institute

The Immune Oncology Research Institute (IMMONC), established in April 2022 and headquartered in Yerevan, is a non-profit organization focusing on cancer research, treatment, and education. The institute's activities include conducting clinical research and building research capacity, with an emphasis on making cancer therapies accessible, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. IMMONC's role is to contribute to the global effort in cancer care through research and development in oncology.

## History

The Immune Oncology Research Institute (IMMONC), founded in April 2022 by Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Dr. Samvel Bardakhchyan, and Dr. Astghik Voskanyan, is a non-profit organization based in Yerevan. Its focus is on the advancement of cancer treatment and research, particularly in the area of immune-oncology. IMMONC's primary activities include conducting regional and global clinical research, developing specialized programs to enhance research capacity, and striving to make advancements in cancer treatment widely accessible.

## Initiatives
### Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) International Registry

The BPDCN International Registry focuses on research into BPDCN, classified as a rare hematologic malignancy by the WHO in 2008. BPDCN diagnosis relies on specific markers like CD4, CD56, and CD123, distinguishing it from similar conditions. Treatment remains uncertain, typically involving multi-agent chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To address this, a global registry project is underway, collecting data on BPDCN patients to inform treatment recommendations. Enrollment is open to all demographics, with prospective enrollment until June 2027, and retrospective data collection since January 2010, aiming to improve BPDCN management and meet unmet medical needs.

### International Registry of the Rare Embryonal Tumors of the CNS

The International Registry of Rare Embryonal Tumors of the Central Nervous System, established by the IMMONC team, is a comprehensive multicenter database for pediatric and young adult patients with rare embryonal CNS tumors. The registry focuses on the systematic documentation of demographic and clinical characteristics of affected individuals, evaluation of prognostic factors influencing disease outcomes, identification of diagnostic and treatment gaps, and formulation of data-driven recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. It also prioritizes addressing the challenges of understanding and managing these complex CNS tumors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Dr. Julia Hoveyan and Dr. Ruzanna Papyan, who lead the initiative, contribute their expertise to enhance knowledge and care for rare embryonal CNS tumors worldwide.

## Working groups
### The Lung Cancer Working Group

The Lung Cancer Working Group (LCWG) represents a collaborative effort between the US and Armenia, focusing on the telemedical approach to thoracic malignancies through bi-weekly Zoom meetings. This multidisciplinary team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, and radiologists. Their collective expertise is directed towards the management of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymic malignancies, aiming to elevate patient care quality and foster knowledge exchange within the medical community. Leadership is provided by Professor Gregory Peter Kalamkerian from the University of Michigan, and co-chair Dr. Davit Zohrabyan, with Dr. Narek Shaverdian from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center contributing as an international expert in Radiation Oncology. The group has a focus on clinical research and the adaptation of international guidelines to the Armenian context.

### Gastrointestinal Cancer Working Group

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Working Group (GICWG) in Armenia is a collaborative team of specialists in GI malignancies. It includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, abdominal surgeons, pathologists, and radiologists, meeting bi-weekly to deliberate on management strategies for gastric, colon, pancreatic, and neuroendocrine cancers. The group's main objective is to elevate the standard of care for patients and promote collaborative learning. Supervised by Professor Philip Agop Philip and co-chaired by Dr. Lilit Harutyunyan, GICWG also focuses on integrating international guidelines for GI malignancies into Armenian medical practices, enhancing cancer care in the region.

## Publications

* Secondary Malignancy In Giant Cell Tumor Of The Skull Base After Denosumab Treatment: Case Report
* Trends in pediatric CNS tumors in Armenia: a multicenter retrospective study
* Patterns of unmet needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) in the developing world: Beyond the walls
* Why adult patients with acute leukemias are dying in the developing world: The other side of the coin
* Lung Cancer in Armenia
* Overview of Cancer Control in Armenia and Policy Implications