Sir Walter Bodmer Spotlights Bangladesh in Breakthrough Cancer Innovations
Bangladesh is rapidly emerging as a unique contributor to cancer treatment, highlighted during the third visit of Emeritus Professor Sir Walter Bodmer from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. His presence at Dhaka University’s Pharmacy Lecture Theatre symbolically “planted the seeds of a future cancer-free world.” In a special lecture titled “Human Genome: Cancer and Immunotherapy”, the knighted Oxford legend declared, “Bangladesh is now a significant partner rather than merely a consumer on the global stage of medical science.”
Speaking at the university, Professor Bodmer emphasized that the key to cancer diagnosis lies in the genetic vulnerabilities of cells. “I commend Bangladeshi scientists for their work in identifying these vulnerabilities,” he noted.
Organized by the Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University, the lecture outlined revolutionary strategies to eliminate cancer using the human genetic blueprint. The presentation focused on employing mRNA-based smart therapies against colorectal cancer. Drawing from his own research, Bodmer demonstrated how mutations in genes such as APC and TP53 are targeted to develop second-generation immunotherapies. In this method, mRNA is delivered directly to tumors via specialized lipid nanoparticles (ANPs). Tumor cells then produce bispecific antibodies that both mark the cancer cells and recruit the body’s T cells to initiate a permanent attack. “This is a precise, targeted treatment that significantly reduces the destructive effects of chemotherapy and the risk of cytokine storms associated with conventional immunotherapies,” he explained.
Highlighting the need for industrial collaboration in cancer research, Emeritus Professor Dr. A.K. Azad Chowdhury remarked, “Attention to genomics and biotechnology is crucial, not only for cancer treatment but for advancing our country’s healthcare sector and economy.”
Other speakers at the seminar included Dr. Syed Aram Hossain, Chairman of Clinical Oncology at Bangladesh Medical University, Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Faruk, President of the Bangladesh Cancer Society, and Professor S.S. Khadeja Nahar, Consultant at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital.
The event was attended by Dhaka University’s Dean of Pharmacy, Professor Md. Selim Reza, and Professor Dr. Md. Ilyas Al Mamun, along with scientists and researchers from sponsoring institutions including Beacon Pharma, SKF, Healthcare Pharma, Incepta, Opsonin, Popular, Radiant, and Sinovia Pharma.
Following the seminar on Sunday, September 28, Professor Bodmer met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan in his office. During the meeting, they exchanged views on modernizing education and research at the university. The Vice-Chancellor briefed the distinguished guest on the history of Dhaka University and its ongoing academic and research initiatives.
