File photo.

KHULNA, May 23, 2026 (BSS) – Khulna University (KU) has launched a research initiative aimed at improving breast cancer treatment in Bangladesh through precision medicine, a modern approach that tailors treatment based on a patient’s genetic makeup. 

The three-year project is being implemented by the university’s Pharmacy Discipline under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) HEAT sub-project with support from the World Bank. 

The research title is “Associations of Genetic Polymorphism of Cancer Related Genes and Drug Metabolizing Enzymes with Variability in Breast Cancer Patients' Responses to Therapeutic Intervention among Bangladeshi Females: Pharmacogenetic Relevance to Precision Medicine.” 

Researchers said the project seeks to analyze how genetic variations among Bangladeshi female breast cancer patients influence treatment responses and to explore the prospects of precision medicine-based therapies. 

According to international health studies, breast cancer is now considered one of the most serious health risks for women worldwide. 

In Bangladesh, more than 15,000 new breast cancer cases are detected annually, with over 98 percent of the patients being women. On average, around 7,500 people die from the disease every year. 

The study focuses on identifying how genetic polymorphisms, or genetic variations, affect the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment. 

Experts said the conventional “one-size-fits-all” treatment approach often fails because the same medication may produce different responses in different individuals due to variations in genetic makeup. 

Through the research, scientists hope to develop a framework where treatment can be tailored according to a patient’s genetic profile. This modern treatment approach is known as precision medicine. 

Speaking to BSS today, Professor Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman, principal researcher and Sub-Project Manager (SPM) of the HEAT project under the Pharmacy Discipline, said precision medicine-based research in breast cancer treatment has not yet been introduced in Bangladesh, although the practice is already in use abroad. 

“The research will help determine drug effectiveness, side effects and suitable treatment methods through analysis of patients’ genetic profiles,” he said. 

Treasurer Professor Dr Md Nurunnabi said the initiative is highly promising, saying cancer research has immense potential for innovation and patents. 

“If effective medication and research-based solutions can be developed for Bangladeshi women suffering from breast cancer, it will be a very positive achievement,” he added. 

Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Harun-or-Rashid Khan emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration in research and said pharmaceutical industries could play a significant role in implementing the project. 

Contacted Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Md Rezaul Karim expressed hope that the research would open new possibilities in breast cancer treatment and significantly benefit patients in the future. 

He said the current government is attaching special importance to contemporary and innovative research, adding that the HEAT project is creating new opportunities for fundamental research and strengthening higher education and research capacity in the country. 

On May 21, the inception workshop of the project titled “Precision Medicine-based Research Activities in Breast Cancer Treatment for Bangladeshi Women” was held at the central laboratory conference room of Khulna University. 

The workshop was chaired by acting head of the Pharmacy Discipline Professor Dr. Md. Jamil Ahmed Shilpi. 

Among others, Dean of the School of Life Science Professor Dr Md Golam Hossain and epidemiologist and preventive oncologist Professor Dr Md Habibullah Talukdar of Gonoshasthaya Community Based Cancer Hospital spoke at the event. 

The keynote paper was presented by Sub-Project Manager Professor Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, while welcome remarks were delivered by Assistant Sub-Project Manager Professor Dr Md Saifuzzaman.