Srinagar, April 11: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has announced plans to establish an Integrated Cell and Gene Therapy Centre, a first-of-its-kind facility in the country, aimed at advancing cancer treatment and translational research.
The announcement came during a Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Research Orientation Programme organized by SKIMS-NAMS and the SKIMS Research Cell, where world-renowned cancer biologist and Harvard Medical School Professor Dr. Khalid Shah delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “The Role of Cellular and Gene Therapy in Brain Tumor Therapeutics.”
Dr. Shah, originally from Kashmir, is the Vice Chair of Research, Department of Neurosurgery and Director, Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston. In his address, he emphasized the transformative potential of engineered cell therapies, precision medicine, and interdisciplinary collaboration in revolutionizing brain tumor treatment.
“The fight against brain tumors requires a global, collaborative effort—combining cutting-edge science with clinical insights to develop transformative therapies,” Dr. Shah said.
The session witnessed active participation from senior faculty members, researchers, and clinicians. Following the lecture, Director SKIMS held a high-level meeting with Dr. Shah and senior faculty to lay the groundwork for establishing the Integrated Cell and Gene Therapy Centre. This center, envisioned as a collaborative research and treatment hub, will play a pivotal role in developing next-generation cancer therapies and significantly benefit patients in the region and beyond.
Attendees praised Dr. Shah for his deep commitment to bringing world-class innovations to his hometown and helping local researchers access international expertise. The interactive session also delved into topics such as challenges in cancer management, funding for high-end research, and the translation of lab discoveries into real-world clinical therapies.
An official spokesperson said this major initiative reinforces SKIMS’s ambition to position itself at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer treatment and biomedical innovation, with a focus on bringing global breakthroughs home to Kashmir.