Experts propose cancer research institute at BMU

Experts on Sunday proposed establishing a full-fledged cancer research institute at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) to strengthen cancer prevention, treatment, research and specialised healthcare services in the country.
They also called for expanding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical and breast cancer screening, early diagnosis, clinical trials and international research collaboration.
The recommendations came at a roundtable held at Shaheed Dr Milton Hall of BMU in Dhaka, marking the 21st founding anniversary of the university’s Department of Clinical Oncology. The event, titled “Advancing Cancer Education, Research and Care: BMU’s Vision and Leadership”, was jointly organised by the department and the Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum.
BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr F M Siddiqui attended as chief guest, alongside physicians, researchers, academics, pharmaceutical industry representatives, medical technology providers and journalists.
Speakers said improving cancer care required not only modern equipment and infrastructure but also skilled professionals, scientific research, clinical trials and better coordination among specialised departments.
Prof Siddiqui said BMU needed to strengthen its leadership in cancer education, research and treatment through postgraduate training, human resource development, clinical trials and international cooperation. A dedicated institute could bring cancer-related departments and services under a coordinated framework, expanding opportunities for advanced treatment, training and scientific innovation, he said.
He expressed hope that BMU would become a centre of national and international excellence in cancer education, research and healthcare.
Prof Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, founder and current chairman of the Department of Clinical Oncology, presented an overview of its achievements and future plans.
He stressed coordination among clinical and medical oncology, surgical oncology, pathology, radiology, nuclear medicine and medical physics. His presentation also covered multidisciplinary tumour boards and treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
The department provides cancer treatment, postgraduate education, specialist training and research services.