The Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology at the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital is dedicated to academic excellence, advanced diagnostic laboratory services, and innovative cancer research. Established in 2008, the department has continuously expanded its facilities and expertise to support cancer diagnosis, treatment, and scientific advancement.
The department provides postgraduate teaching and training in cancer biology, immunology, cancer immunotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy through interactive academic sessions and laboratory-based orientation programs. It also conducts Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities to strengthen clinicians’ understanding of immunological and molecular aspects of cancer.
Equipped with advanced technologies including Conventional and Real-Time PCR, Sanger Sequencing, and Luminex HLA Typing systems, the department is committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and patient-centered laboratory services while promoting multidisciplinary collaborative research.
The Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology provides a range of specialised laboratory diagnostic services for cancer patients and clinicians, including:
Serum Tumour Markers: AFP, CEA, hCG, CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, PSA
Hepatitis Markers: HBsAg, Anti-HCV
Thyroid Function Tests: Free T4, TSH
Cervical Cancer Screening: HPV DNA Testing
The department also supports advanced molecular and immunological testing through:
Conventional and Real-Time PCR
Sanger Sequencing and Fragment Analysis
Luminex HLA Typing
Chimerism Monitoring and HLA-related testing
All services are available from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Vision
To achieve excellence in education and innovative research in cancer immunology for better understanding and solving complex cancer-related problems.
Mission
To train future scientists and clinicians in immunology and molecular oncology
To foster multidisciplinary collaborative research
To translate research findings into clinical applications
To provide patient-oriented, state-of-the-art laboratory services
To contribute to the advancement of cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy
Recent Publications Asymptomatic COVID-19 in cancer patients of Bangladesh: A hospital-based study.Cancer Journal Bangladesh 2023;3(2):40–48. Principal Investigator: Sufi Hannan Zulfiqar Rahman Co-investigators: Zinat Tanjida, Md. Johirul Islam, Sahida Abedin, Md. Nizamul Haque, Qazi Mushtaq Hussain. A hospital-based study evaluating the prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection among cancer patients in Bangladesh. Expression of BRCA1 mRNA in cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissue of Bangladeshi females attending a tertiary care hospital.BSMMU Journal 2025;18(1):e76745. doi: https://doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v18i1.76754 Principal Investigator: Latifa Nishat Co-investigators: Sufi Hannan Zulfiqar Rahman, Farida Arjuman, Zinnat Ara Yesmin, Lutfun Nahar, Umma Habiba Laboni, Samira Sultana Amee, Farzana Afroze. Collaborating Institution: Bangladesh Medical University. This study explored BRCA1 mRNA expression patterns in cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissues among Bangladeshi women. Expression of BARD1 mRNA in cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissue of Bangladeshi females attending a tertiary care cancer hospital.Cancer Journal Bangladesh 2024;5(2):79–87. Principal Investigator: Lutfun Nahar Co-investigators: Latifa Nishat, Sufi Hannan Zulfiqar Rahman, Farida Arjuman, Farzana Afroze, Samira Sultana Amee, Umma Habiba Laboni. Collaborating Institution: Bangladesh Medical University. The study investigated BARD1 mRNA expression in breast cancer tissues and compared findings with non-cancerous breast tissue. Expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA in ovarian cancer patients attending a tertiary-level cancer hospital in Bangladesh.Journal of Cancer Science and Clinical Therapeutics 2025;9(3):102–111. doi:10.26502/jcsct.5079270 Principal Investigator: Latifa Nishat Co-investigators: Sufi Hannan Zulfiqar Rahman, Farida Arjuman, Mahenaz Afroz, Rahinur Ara Rimon, Nargis Sultana, Sadika Sharmin, Shafayat Mohammad Imteaz. Collaborating Institution: Bangladesh Medical University. This research evaluated BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA expression profiles among ovarian cancer patients in Bangladesh. Clinical Trials No active clinical trials currently available for patient participation. Training & Education Internship Training Provided BSc in Health Technology (Laboratory) – Dhaka Institute of Health Technology (IHT) Diploma in Health Technology (Laboratory) – Dhaka Institute of Health Technology (IHT) Diploma in Health Technology (Laboratory) – Jhenaidaha Institute of Health Technology (IHT) Diploma in Health Technology (Laboratory) – Satkhira Institute of Health Technology (IHT)
Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital
Head of Department: Dr. Sufi Hannan Zulfiqar Rahman
