iranian cancer network: introduction, mission and its role in cancer management

objectives: the iranian cancer network was established in may 2003. our aim was to coordinate re search and treatment programs in all cancer centers in iran in order to save time and money and enable patients, wherever they live, to receive a uniformly high-standard treatment and care. methods: after signing a mutual contract with fellow (collaborator) university and holding some shared sessions, the project was planned on the basis of the network missions. network structure guide lines and the responsibility of the sections and staff in the network were being defined. cancer teams include physicians, epidemiologists, pathologists, basic scientists, and executive authorities related to cancer management. results: the iranian cancer network has started its work as a preliminary study between two centers. then some other cancer centers in the country joined it and it is developing gradually. several common research projects and clinical trials have been started in this network. genomic dna bank for patients with hematopoetic malignancies is being constructed. data bank for all cancers referring to these cen ters is being constructed and its result will be published later. conclusion: cancer networks make a systematic connection between all cancer centers around a coun try (or abroad) to ensure delivery of new information, interventions, and best practices and help others to share their research and laboratory facilities.