The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) is planning to establish the first-of-its-kind Integrated Cell and Gene Therapy Centre in the country.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of a CME & Research Orientation Program organized by SKIMS-NAMS and SKIMS Research Cell.
The event featured an inspiring lecture by Dr. Khalid Shah, a globally renowned researcher, Vice Chair of Research at the Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Professor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Shah delivered a session on the “Role of Cellular and Gene Therapy in Brain Tumor Therapeutics,” outlining groundbreaking advances in engineered cell therapies, immunotherapies, and precision medicine.
Shah, a leading expert in cancer biology and translational therapies, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research methodologies, engineered cell therapies and emerging technologies in advancing brain tumor treatment.
His lecture highlighted recent breakthroughs, including immunotherapies and precision medicine approaches, that are reshaping the future of neuro-oncology.
“The fight against brain tumours requires a global, collaborative effort-combining cutting-edge science with clinical insights to develop transformative therapies,” said Shah. “By fostering international partnerships across disciplines, we can accelerate progress and bring hope to patients within the region, country and worldwide.”
In the backdrop of the conference, a meeting was convened by SKIMS Research Cell between Dr. Shah, Director SKIMS and senior faculty members for creating a collaborative platform for conducting research in cancer therapeutics with the long term vision of establishing ‘Integrated Cell and Gene Therapy Centre’ at SKIMS which would be the first of its kind not only in this region but in the whole country, a spokesperson of the SKIMS said.
“This initiative would in the long run help develop newer treatment strategies for cancer management,” the spokesperson said.
The session also featured an interactive Q&A session, where participants exchanged ideas on challenges in cancer management, funding opportunities for cutting edge research, and collaboration.
