Srinagar, April 11, 2025 – The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences took a monumental step toward advancing medical innovation with the announcement of the establishment of an Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre. The initiative, revealed by the Director SKIMS, aims to position the institute at the forefront of cutting-edge treatments for complex diseases, including cancer. Complementing this milestone, Dr. Khalid Shah, a renowned Professor at Harvard Medical School, delivered an insightful lecture at SKIMS on the “Role of Cellular and Gene Therapy in Brain Tumour Therapeutics,” captivating an audience of medical professionals, researchers, and students.
The Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre is set to revolutionize healthcare in the region by harnessing the potential of cellular therapy and gene therapy to develop personalized treatments for life-threatening conditions. The Director SKIMS emphasized the centre’s role in fostering research, training, and clinical applications, with a focus on addressing pressing health challenges like brain tumors. “This centre will be a game-changer, bridging advanced science with patient care and elevating SKIMS as a hub for medical innovation,” the Director stated.
Dr. Khalid Shah, a globally recognized expert in stem cell therapeutics, shared his pioneering work on using engineered cells to combat brain tumors, particularly aggressive forms like glioblastoma. Drawing from his research at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Shah highlighted how cellular therapy—including the use of stem cells to deliver targeted treatments—can overcome barriers like the blood-brain barrier, which often limits traditional therapies. He also discussed gene therapy techniques, such as CRISPR-engineered cells, that reprogram tumor cells to attack cancer while boosting long-term immunity. “Our goal is to turn cancer cells into cancer killers, offering hope for patients with limited options,” Dr. Shah remarked, underscoring the transformative potential of these therapies.
The lecture, held at SKIMS’ auditorium, was attended by faculty, oncologists, and aspiring medical professionals who engaged in a lively Q&A session with Dr. Shah. His insights into translating lab discoveries into clinical solutions resonated deeply, inspiring optimism about the future of brain tumor treatment in Kashmir and beyond.
The establishment of the Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre aligns with SKIMS’ vision to integrate global advancements into local healthcare. The centre will collaborate with international institutions, including partnerships facilitated by experts like Dr. Shah, to accelerate research and training in cellular and gene therapy. Plans include developing therapies for not only cancer but also genetic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, positioning SKIMS as a leader in precision medicine.
The event concluded with the Director SKIMS expressing gratitude to Dr. Khalid Shah for his inspiring lecture and reaffirming the institute’s commitment to making the Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre a reality. The announcement and lecture mark a new chapter for SKIMS, promising hope for patients battling brain tumors and other complex conditions through the power of cellular therapy and gene therapy.
Srinagar, April 11, 2025 – The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) took a monumental step toward advancing medical innovation with the announcement of the establishment of an Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre. The initiative, revealed by the Director SKIMS, aims to position the institute at the forefront of cutting-edge treatments for complex diseases, including cancer. Complementing this milestone, Dr. Khalid Shah, a renowned Professor at Harvard Medical School, delivered an insightful lecture at SKIMS on the “Role of Cellular and Gene Therapy in Brain Tumor Therapeutics,” captivating an audience of medical professionals, researchers, and students.
The Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre is set to revolutionize healthcare in the region by harnessing the potential of cellular therapy and gene therapy to develop personalized treatments for life-threatening conditions. The Director SKIMS emphasized the centre’s role in fostering research, training, and clinical applications, with a focus on addressing pressing health challenges like brain tumors. “This centre will be a game-changer, bridging advanced science with patient care and elevating SKIMS as a hub for medical innovation,” the Director stated.
Dr. Khalid Shah, a globally recognized expert in stem cell therapeutics, shared his pioneering work on using engineered cells to combat brain tumors, particularly aggressive forms like glioblastoma. Drawing from his research at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Shah highlighted how cellular therapy—including the use of stem cells to deliver targeted treatments—can overcome barriers like the blood-brain barrier, which often limits traditional therapies. He also discussed gene therapy techniques, such as CRISPR-engineered cells, that reprogram tumor cells to attack cancer while boosting long-term immunity. “Our goal is to turn cancer cells into cancer killers, offering hope for patients with limited options,” Dr. Shah remarked, underscoring the transformative potential of these therapies.
The lecture, held at SKIMS’ auditorium, was attended by faculty, oncologists, and aspiring medical professionals who engaged in a lively Q&A session with Dr. Shah. His insights into translating lab discoveries into clinical solutions resonated deeply, inspiring optimism about the future of brain tumor treatment in Kashmir and beyond.
The establishment of the Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre aligns with SKIMS’ vision to integrate global advancements into local healthcare. The centre will collaborate with international institutions, including partnerships facilitated by experts like Dr. Shah, to accelerate research and training in cellular and gene therapy. Plans include developing therapies for not only cancer but also genetic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, positioning SKIMS as a leader in precision medicine.
The event concluded with the Director SKIMS expressing gratitude to Dr. Khalid Shah for his inspiring lecture and reaffirming the institute’s commitment to making the Integrated Cell & Gene Therapy Centre a reality. The announcement and lecture mark a new chapter for SKIMS, promising hope for patients battling brain tumours and other complex conditions through the power of cellular therapy and gene therapy.