USM gets cancer research grants from National Cancer Council

GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the sole APEX university in the country, has received grants close to RM60,000 from the National Cancer Council (Makna) to further cancer treatment research.

Spearheading the effort is Dr Nor Fazila Che Mat, 34, from the School of Health Science, who obtained a RM29,835 grant for research into the use of Indian Trumpet Leaves (Oroxylum Indiumas) as an alternative treatment for cervical cancer.

She said the leaves, locally known as Beko, was normally consumed as "ulam" (herb dish) in the country and was found throughout Asia.

Her research will focus on an effective and safer alternative to treat HPV (Human Papillomaviruses) type 16 which is linked to cervical cancer.

"I expect the outcome can be known in two years," she told a press conference with USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Omar Osman after receiving the grant.

Her USM colleague, Dr K. Nethia Mohana, 34, from the School of Biological Science, meanwhile received RM30,000 from the Council for her study on the differences between HPV type 16 and HPV type 18.

She said the focus of her research will also be on the effectiveness of using the BH3 Mimetic drug in killing cancer cells to treat cancer patients.

On the coming 53rd convocation ceremony, Omar said the founder of Ambank Group and non-executive chairman of Amcorp Group Tan Sri Azman Hashim will receive a Honorary Doctorate from USM on April 30 while 1,160 graduates will receive their scrolls at the ceremony.