Dr. SM Rafiqul Islam is Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (BGE) at United International University (UIU) Dhaka, Bangladesh. A dedicated researcher and educator, having over 17 years of research experience in the field of Cancer, Immunology, Cell-Based Immunotherapy for metastatic Cancers, Personalized Medicine, Stem Cell Biology, Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, and translational research.

Dr. Islam earned his Ph.D. in Pediatric Oncology Medicine from Chiba University School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Science, Japan, where his research focused on De Novo evolved genes in metastatic human pediatric cancers such as Neuroblastoma, Glioblastoma, Pineocytoma.  He reprogrammed transgene-free reprogramming of human neuroblastoma cells into induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) for modelling disease, dissecting neuroblastoma in a dish and screening small molecule inhibitors (drug) for treatment. He further honed his expertise during his postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institute of Radiological Science (NIRS) in Japan where he examined iPSC-based induction of human mesenchymal stem cells for the application of would healing, radiation injury and neurological disorders. In early 2016, he moved to the United States National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A and joined in the Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR) under the Direct Supervision of renowned immunotherapy pioneers Nicholas P. Restifo, MD and Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, Ph.D.

Throughout his postdoctoral career, Dr. Islam has made groundbreaking contributions to enhance cancer immunology and T cell-based immunotherapy for metastatic human cancers. He has developed some innovative T-cell-based therapies, including methods to reprogram tumor antigen specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from a bulk population of T cells, identifying tumor-antigen specific T cell receptors (TCRs) targeting individual neoantigens and developed methods to generate less differentiated stem-like antitumor T cells which can efficiently destroy and eliminate cancer cells. His work has led to the filing a couple of international patents and the publication of over ten high-impact peer-reviewed articles, many as the lead author. His research has been pivotal in advancing therapies for metastatic cancers, including melanoma, breast, colon, colorectal, gynecological and gastrointestinal metastatic tumors.

As a committed educator, Dr. Islam has taught at prestigious institutions in undergraduate level in Chiba University, Japan; Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) and graduate level students in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh. His mentorship has inspired the next generation of students and scientists, with many of his mentees excelling in medical and research careers locally and globally.

In addition to his academic and research achievements, Dr. Islam has contributed to several clinical trials, including groundbreaking studies on cancer neoantigens and Cancer Hotspot mutation specific T cell receptors (TCRs) transduced T cell therapy, and the generation of T cells from cancer patient’s induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) carrying specific TCRs for next-generation cell based therapeutic applications.

Dr. Islam’s dedication to science and education reflects his commitment to combating cancer and fostering global collaboration in biotechnology and genetic engineering in coming days.

Research Fellow ( January 2021-February 2024)                                         

Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI),

National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS)

Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A.

Principal Investigator: Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow   ( January 2016-December 2020)                                   

Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI),

National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS),

Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A.

Postdoctoral Fellow  ( May 2014- December 2015)

National Institute of Radiological Science (NIRS), Chiba, Japan.

Project Title: Direct reprogramming of human Mesenchymal Stem cells (MSCs) into neuronal lineages cells for cell-based therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pediatric Oncology Medicine, March 2014

Department of Molecular Biology & Oncology

Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Science, Chiba University, Japan

Dissertation Title: “Transgene-free Reprogramming of Human Neuroblastoma Cells”.  

Masters of Science (M.S.) in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology,  July 2008                        Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Science

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dissertation Title: “Study of HbA1C & its Correlation with Blood Lipid profile in Diabetic Population of Bangladesh”.

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. honors) in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, June 2006

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Science

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Associate Professor & Head (May 2024 ~ )

Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (BGE)

United International University (UIU)

United City, Madani Avenue, Dhaka-1219.

Guest Faculty  

Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME)

Bangladesh University of Engineering and technology (BUET). West Palashi Campus, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Course taught: BME 6205: Artificial Organ and Regenerative Medicine.

Part-time Faculty   (Summer-2024)

School of Life and Environmental Science (SELS)

Independent University Bangladesh (IUB)

Plot 16, Block B, Aftabuddin Ahmed Road, Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh

Course taught: BCB 104 (theory+Lab),  BIO-105 (theory+Lab), BIO-102 Lab (theory+Lab).

Doctoral Student and Research Assistant (December 2009- March 2014).

Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute (CCCRI), Chiba, Japan.

Product Executive  (January 2009- September 2009).

Product Management Division (PMD)

Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Limited (SK+F), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Foundation (October 2008-December-2008)

Ministry of Industries (MOI), Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.

91, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000

Research Assistant (July 2007- September 2008)

Immunology Laboratory

Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) hospital.

Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Current and Ongoing Clinical Trials in Bangladesh: 

(1) “A Phase I Trial of Ex Vivo Expanded Immune Cell Transfer Therapy in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (R/R AML)”.

(2) “Treatment of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) CD19+ Lymphoid Malignancies Using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Engineered T-Cells: A Multicentric Phase I/II Clinical Trial”. 

For details and enrollment please contact: +88-01576-917475. or email: rafiqul@bge.uiu.ac.bd

Clinical Trial Experiences at the NCI Surgery Branch,
National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health Clinical Center (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A. : 

Key Contributor in Clinical Trials for Metastatic Epithelial Cancer treatment Using Autologous Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) and T-Cell Receptor (TCR)-Engineered Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes.

Served as a key contributor to a groundbreaking clinical trial team focused on treating metastatic epithelial cancer patients with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered peripheral blood lymphocytes. This trial was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of the Surgery Branch at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Primary responsibilities was:

• Cultivating T lymphocytes and generating dendritic cells to support the trial.

• Screening and identifying neoantigen hotspots (mutations) to assess their sensitivity and specificity, while ensuring safety protocols were met.

• Coordinating with cross-functional teams to execute patient treatment effectively and ensure regulatory compliance.

In addition to these core responsibilities, Dr. Islam played a crucial role in the successful execution of patient treatments by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, sequencing teams, manufacturing teams, quality assurance personnel, and other supporting staff. My work involved assisting with the planning, infusion of engineered T cells, and monitoring patient outcomes, all aimed at achieving the trial’s goals and advancing cancer immunotherapy.

Some of the Prior Clinical Trials Dr. Islam participated are listed below: 

(1) Trial Number: NCT01174121:
“Analysis of cancer neoantigen reactivity and T cell phenotypes of infusion products administered as part of trial NCT01174121, “Immunotherapy Using Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Patients with Metastatic Cancer.”
Time participated: September 2020 – March 2024.

(2) Trial Number: NCT03412877:
Research leading to identification of cancer neoantigen-specific TCRs for use in trial NCT03412877, “Administration of Autologous T-Cells Genetically Engineered to Express T-Cell Receptors Reactive Against Neoantigens in People with Metastatic Cancer.”
Time participated: September 2020 – March 2024.

(3) Trial Number: 18-C-0043:
“Generation of Cancer Antigen-Specific T-Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) for Research and clinical trials using Rejuvenated Stem-like antitumor T cells carrying neoantigen specific T Cell receptors (TCRs)”.
Time participated: June 2017 – October 2020.

1. Nikolas Zacharakis, SM Rafiqul Islam, Samantha Seitter, Maria R. Parkhurst, Frank J. Lowery, Steven A. Rosenberg (2024). “T Cell Receptors Targeting E545K Or N345K Mutation in PIK3CA”. US Patent Application Number: 63/565,764; HHS Reference: E-076-2024-0-US-01, filed on March 15, 2024. Status- pending.
2. Raul E. Vizcardo, SM Rafiqul Islam, Naritaka Tamaoki, Takuya Maeda, Nicholas P. Restifo. 2021. “Preferential Generation of IPSC Carrying Antigen Specific TCRs from Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes”. US Patent Number. US 2023/0265508 Al; HHS Reference: E-109-2020-0-PCT-02, filed August 20, 2021, and issued on August 24, 2023.
3. Meghan L. Good, SM Rafiqul Islam, Naritaka Tamaoki, Raul E. Vizcardo, Nicholas P. Restifo. 2021. “Methods of Producing T Cell Populations Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells”. US Patent Number: US 2023/0036952 Al; HHS Reference: E-091-2019-0-PCT-02, filed on January 07, 2021, and issued on February 02, 2023.

Journal Articles:  

1. Levy L, Islam S.M.R,  Gartner J.J., Sindiri S., Dinerman D., Zhiya Yu, Prickett T.D., Benzine T, Levin N, Lowery FJ, Rosenberg SA, Krishna S. KLF2-overexpression imparts stemness onto dysfunctional neoantigen-reactive human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. (in Preperation).
2. Islam, S.M.R., Seitter, S., Lowery, F., Parkhurst, M., Zacharakis, N., & Rosenberg, S.A. “HLA-class II-restricted T cell receptor for PIK3CA “hotspot” mutations, E545K and N345K”. (Accepted, In Press, Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 2025).
3. Amin T, Hossain A, Jerin N, Mahmud I, Rahman MA, Islam S.M.R, Islam SMBU. Immunoediting Dynamics in Glioblastoma: Implications for Immunotherapy Approaches. Cancer Control. 2024 Jan-Dec; 31:10732748241290067. doi: 10.1177/10732748241290067. PMID: 39353594; PMCID: PMC11459535.
4. Levin, , Kim, S.P., Ray, S., Masi, R.V., Islam, S. M. R., Bera, A., Goff, S. L., Robbins, P.F., & Rosenberg, S.A. “Neoantigen-specific stimulation of T cells for effective cancer adoptive cell therapies”. Journal of Immunotherapy of Cancers. 2024 May 30;12(5):e008645. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008645.
5. Islam, S. M. R., Maeda, T., Tamaoki, N., Good, M. L., Kishton, R. J., Paria, B. C., & Vizcardo, R. (2023). “Reprogramming of Tumor-reactive Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes to Human-induced pluripotent stem cells”. Cancer Research Communications, 3(5), 917-932.
6. (*Shared first author) Vizcardo, R., Klemen, N. D., Islam, S. M. R., Gurusamy, D., Tamaoki, N., Yamada, D., … & Restifo, N. P. (2018). “Generation of tumor antigen- specific iPSC-derived thymic emigrants using a 3D thymic culture system. Cell reports, 22(12), 3175-3190”. (*Shared first author) {IF-9.9}.
7. Vizcardo, R., Islam, S. M. R., Maeda, , Tamaoki, N., Good, M. L., Klemen, N. D., … & Restifo, N. P. (2019). “A three-dimensional thymic culture system to generate murine induced pluripotent stem cell-derived tumor antigen-specific thymic emigrants”. JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments), (150), e58672. (*Shared first author).
8. Good, M. L., Tamaoki, N., Maeda, , Islam, S. M. R., Bosch-Marce, M., Kruhlak, M., & Restifo, N. P. (2019, February). “Patient-Derived Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes Can be Reprogrammed and Differentiated to Tumor Mutation-Reactive T-Cells”. In Annals of Surgical Oncology, 26, S17-S17. {IF-3.2}.
9. Vizcardo, R., Klemen, N. D., Islam, S. M. R., Gurusamy, D., Tamaoki, N., Jia, L., & Restifo, N. P. (2018). “Developing the next generation of iPSC cell-based immunotherapies”. Blood, 132 (Supplement 1), 203.
10. Obara, , Tomiyama, K. I., Takizawa, K., Islam, S. M. R., Yasuda, T., Gotoh, T., & Tajima,(2016). “Characteristics of three-dimensional prospectively isolated mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cell aggregates on nanoculture plates”. Cell and tissue research, 366, 113-127. {IF-4.2}
11. Islam, S. M. R., Suenaga, Y., Takatori, A., Ueda, Y., Kaneko, Y., Kawana, H., & Nakagawara, (2015). “Sendai virus‐mediated expression of reprogramming factors promotes plasticity of human neuroblastoma cells”. Cancer science, 106(10), 1351- 1361. {IF-5.7}
12. Suenaga, , Islam, S. M. R., Alagu, J., Kaneko, Y., Kato, M., Tanaka, Y., & Nakagawara, (2014). “NCYM, a Cis-antisense gene of MYCN, encodes a de novo evolved protein that inhibits GSK3β resulting in the stabilization of MYCN in human neuroblastomas”. PLoS genetics, 10(1), e1003996.
13. Kaneko, Y., Suenaga, Y., Islam, S. M. R., Matsumoto, D., Nakamura, Y., Ohira, M. & Nakagawara, A. (2015). “Functional interplay between MYCN, NCYM, and OCT 4 promotes aggressiveness of human neuroblastomas”. Cancer Science, 106(7), 840-.
14. Shoji, , Suenaga, Y., Kaneko, Y., Islam, S. M. R., Alagu, J., Yokoi, S., & Nakagawara, (2015). “NCYM promotes calpain-mediated Myc-nick production in human MYCN- amplified neuroblastoma cells”. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 461(3), 501-506. {IF-3.2}.

Selected Conference Papers 

1. Islam S.M.R, Samantha Seitter S., Parkhurst M, Lowery FJ, Fukuhara M, SP Kim, Levin N, Gartner J, Satyajit Ray, Victoria Hill, Robbins PF, Goff SL, Rosenberg SA, Zacharakis N. IDENTIFICATION OF HLA CLASS II-RESTRICTED T CELL RECEPTORS AGAINST SHARED PIK3CA MUTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH EPITHELIAL CANCERS. Conference: SITC 39th Annual Meeting (SITC 2024) Abstracts Journal for Immuno Therapy of Cancer12(Suppl 2): A465-A465. DOI: 1136/jitc-2024-SITC2024.0405
2. Lior Levy, Islam, S. M. R., Krishna, S., Lowery, F., Parkhurst, M., Zacharakis, N., & Rosenberg, S.A. “Reversal and re- programming of neoantigen reactive exhausted cells into less differentiated stem like T cells for effective Cancer Immunotherapy”. SITC 2025.
3. Lior Levy, Islam S.M.R, Jared J Gartner, Sivasish Sindri, Zhiya Yu, Todd D Prickett, Tiffany Benzine, Noam Levin, Frank J Lowery, Steven A Rosenberg, Sri Krishna. KLF2-overexpression imparts stemness onto dysfunctional neoantigen-reactive TIL populations. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). https://www.aacr.org › AACR2025_Proceedings.
4. Islam S. M. R., Maeda, T., Tamaoki, N., Good, M. L., Klemen, N. D., & Restifo, N. P. (2019). “Efficient T cell differentiation using three-dimensional thymic culture system to generate induced pluripotent stem cell-derived tumor antigen-specific T cells”. NCI Center of Excellence in Immunology Seminar Series. January 08, 2019.
5. Islam S. M. R., Klemen, N. D., & Restifo, N. P. (2017). “Generation of tumor antigen specific T-iPSC from an MHC Class-II restricted CD4 T cell”. The NIH-FDA Immunology Interest Group (IIG) Annual Workshop. National Conference Center, Leesburg, Virginia, September 6-7, 2017.
6. Islam S. M. R., Suenaga Y., Takatori A., Ueda Y., Kaneko Y., Nakamura Y., Ohira M., Nakagawara A.; “Transgene Free Reprogramming of Human Neuroblastoma Cells” CiRA International Symposium 2013, Raising the Next Generation of Stem Cell Research, 11-12^th March-2013, Kyoto, Japan.
7. Islam S. M. R., Suenaga Y., Takatori A., Ueda Y., Kaneko Y., Nakamura Y., Ohira M., Nakagawara A.; “Reprogramming of human neuroblastoma cells using iPSC technology” Advances in Neuroblastoma Research Conference, 18-21^st June 2012, Toronto, Canada.
8. Suenaga , Takatori A., Hidetada K., Islam S. M. R., and Nakagawara A.; “NCYM, a novel MYCN cis-antisense gene product, stabilizes MYCN and contributes to aggressiveness of human neuroblastoma”. The 24^th Annual Meeting of the Young Researchers Workshop on Cancer Biology. 05-08^th September 2012, Nagano, Japan.
9. Islam S. M. R., Suenaga Y., Takatori A. and Nakagawara A., “Transgene Free Reprogramming of Human Neuroblastoma Cells”. 71^st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association. September 19-21, 2012, Sapporo, Japan.
10. Suenaga , Yamaki T., Jennifer A., Takatori A., Kaneko Y., Matsumoto D., Islam S. M. R., Shoji W., Nakamura Y., Ohira M., Haraguchi S., Nakagawara A.; “Functional Roles of Tap63 and Myc in neuronal cancers”. 71^st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association. September 19-21, 2012, Sapporo, Japan. 71^st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association. October 18-21^st, 2013, Sapporo, Japan.
11. Kaneko Y., Suenaga Y., Islam S. M. R., Matsumoto D., Nakamura Y., Ohira M., Nakagawara ; “NCYM, a MYCN antisense gene product, induces OCT4 and regulate cell sphere formation in neuroblastoma”. 71^st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association. September 19-21, 2012, Sapporo, Japan.
12. Shoji , Suenaga Y., Islam S. M. R., and Nakagawara A.; “NCYM, promote the cleavage of Myc by Calpain in neuroblastoma”. The 54^th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (JSPHO), 30^th November -2^nd December 2012, Yokohama, Japan.
13. Islam M. R., Suenaga Y., Takatori A. and Nakagawara A.; “Reprogramming of Human Neuroblastoma Cells using iPS technology”. The 2^nd Japan-China Symposium on Cancer Research (JCSCR 2012) 9-11^th May 2012, Makuhari, Chiba, Japan.
14. Islam M. R., Suenaga Y., Takatori A., Ueda Y., Nakamura Y., Ohira M., and Nakagawara A.; “Reprogramming of Human Neuroblastoma Cells to iPS-like State”. 10^th Annual meeting of International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), 13-16^th June 2012, Yokohama, Japan.
15. Islam S. M. R., Suenaga Y., and Nakagawara A.; “Reprogramming of Human Neuroblastoma Cells to iPS-like State”. 70^th Annual Meeting of Japanese Cancer Association (JCA). 3-5^th October 2011, Nagoya, Japan.
16. Islam S. M. R., Suenaga Y. and Nakagawara A.; “Human Neuroblastoma cells can be reprogrammed into iPS-like state in vitro”. 53^rd Annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (JSPHO). 25-27^th November 2011, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
17. Akter J., Suenaga Y., Islam S.M. R., and Nakagawara A.; “A novel orphan receptor, NLRR3, induces neuronal differentiation and is negatively regulated by MYCN and Miz-1 in Neuroblastoma” Advanced in Neuroblastoma Research Conference (ANR- 2010), 21-24^th June 2010, Stockholm Sweden.

Book Chapters: 

1. Islam, S.R. and Siddiqua,J. (2020) “Functional Foods in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Recent Epidemiological Findings.” In Y. Kabir edited “Functional Foods in Cancer Prevention and Therapy” Publisher: Academic Press; Chapter. 20, pages 405 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978012816151700020X.
2. Good ML., Vizcardo , Islam S.R., Maeda T., Tamaoki N. (Book Chapter contribution in Japanese textbook, 2018). マウス誘導多能性幹細胞由来腫瘍抗原特異的胸腺移民を生成する三次元胸腺培 養システム.

1. Frontiers in Oncology-Reviewer
2. Blood Science- Reviewer
3. Journal Of Immunotherapy- Reviewer
4. BSMMU Journal- Reviewer
5. Journal of Biosciences and Public Health (JBPH)-Editor

• Visiting Fellow: Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) & Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), 2025. August-September 2025.
• Research Fellowship Position: National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A. January 2021- February 2024. (3+ years)
• Visiting Fellow Award:  National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A. January 2016- December 2020. (5 years).
• Global Center for Research in Immune System Regulation and Treatment: Chiba University, Japan, January 2013-December 2013. (1 year).
• Advanced in Neuroblastoma Research (ANR): Travel Grant, Toronto, Canada.  May 2012.
• The Fuji Scholarship for International Students: Tokyo, Japan. July 2011-December 2011. (6 months).
• Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute (CCCRI): Doctoral Scholarship for International Students, Chiba, Japan. December 2009- March 2014. (4+ years).

• The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), U.S.A
• International Society of Stem cell research (ISSCR), U.S.A.
• American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), U.S.A.
• Japanese Cancer Association (JCA), Japan
• Graduate Biochemist Association (GBA), Bangladesh
• Bangladesh Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BSBMB)