SKIMS To Establish Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre: Director

World-renowned cancer researcher and “son of the soil,” Dr. Khalid Shah, Vice Chair of Research at the Department of Neurosurgery and Director of the Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, delivered a powerful lecture on the “Role of Cellular and Gene Therapy in Brain Tumor Therapeutics” at SKIMS on Thursday.

The session, organized as part of a Continuing Medical Education (CME) & Research Orientation Programme by SKIMS-NAMS and the SKIMS Research Cell, brought together clinicians, researchers, and medical students to explore cutting-edge innovations in cancer treatment.

Dr. Shah, a globally recognized figure in cancer biology and translational therapies, shed light on revolutionary advancements in neuro-oncology, including the use of engineered cell therapies, gene editing, immunotherapies, and precision medicine in the treatment of brain tumors. He emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.

“The fight against brain tumors requires a global, collaborative effort—combining cutting-edge science with clinical insights to develop transformative therapies,” Dr. Shah said during his address. “By fostering international partnerships across disciplines, we can bring hope to patients in the region and beyond.”

On the sidelines of the event, a strategic meeting was held between Dr. Shah, Director SKIMS Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, and senior faculty members. The discussion centered around building a collaborative research platform aimed at launching an Integrated Cell and Gene Therapy Centre at SKIMS—a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. The centre, envisioned as a hub for advanced cancer therapeutics, aims to revolutionize treatment options and provide much-needed relief for cancer patients in the region.

The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants engaged with Dr. Shah on the challenges of cancer research, funding models for high-impact innovation, and building collaborative networks. Attendees lauded Dr. Shah’s dedication to translating laboratory breakthroughs into real-world therapies and his heartfelt desire to bring these advancements home to Kashmir.

This visionary initiative marks a significant milestone for SKIMS and could place the institute at the forefront of cancer research and treatment in South Asia.