SKIMS to set up integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre: Director SKIMS

Srinagar, Apr 11: Son of the soil and world-renowned researcher Dr Khalid Shah, Vice Chair of Research, Department of Neurosurgery and Director, Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor, Harvard Medical School, USA, delivered an inspiring lecture on ‘Role of Cellular and Gene therapy in Brain Tumor Therapeutics’ at a CME and Research Orientation Programme organised by SKIMS- NAMS & SKIMS Research Cell.

A statement of SKIM Issued here said that Dr Shah, a leading expert in cancer biology and translational therapies, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research methodologies, engineered cell therapies and emerging technologies in advancing brain tumour 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 Dr. 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 to create 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. This initiative would go in a long run for developing newer treatment strategies for cancer management and would immensely benefit the cancer patients.

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. Attendees praised Dr Shah’s visionary perspective and his commitment to translating lab discoveries into real-world therapies and his dream to bring those recently developed treatment options to his hometown.