In a landmark initiative poised to revolutionize cancer care in North Maharashtra, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) and SunAct – Advanced Cancer Therapies announced the launch of SunAct’s fourth national Centre of Excellence in Cell and Gene Therapy at HCGMCC, Nashik. The collaboration marks a transformative step toward democratizing access to cutting-edge oncology therapies for patients in semi-urban and rural regions, bridging the urban-rural healthcare divide. The centre was inaugurated by Dr Shripad Banavali, Chairperson of the Paediatric Haemato-Oncology Chapter, Indian Academy of Paediatrics and Academic Director at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Dr Kumar Prabhash, Professor and Head of Medical Oncology (Solid Tumours) at Tata Memorial Hospital, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The event was attended by leading oncologists, researchers, healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups.

“This partnership between HCG Manavata and SunAct signals a pivotal shift in cancer care in Maharashtra. With the launch of this Centre in Nashik, we’re not just extending access; we’re redrawing the map of possibility for oncology in India,” says Dr Shripad Banavali.

Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) represents the vanguard of personalized medicine. Unlike conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which broadly target cancer cells, CGT focuses on the genetic and cellular roots of disease. While Cell Therapy uses modified immune cells (CAR-T cells) to precisely identify and destroy cancer cells, Gene Therapy corrects or replaces faulty genes responsible for cancer growth or enhances the body’s natural ability to fight disease.

“These therapies are showing exceptional promise in treating blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, and research is rapidly expanding into solid tumours. By targeting cancer at the molecular level, these treatments can achieve higher precision, reduce side effects and offer hope to patients who may not respond to traditional treatments. With the launch of this Centre of Excellence, we are not just offering a treatment, we are offering hope,” adds Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director - KIMS Manavata Hospitals, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre and Six Sigma, Nashik.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Dr (Prof) Raj Nagarkar; Dr Priyatesh Dwivedi, Senior Consultant, Hematology-Oncology; Dr Shreeniwas Raut, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology and Dr Mukesh Chaudhari, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology from HCG Manavata Cancer Centre; and Dr (Prof) Vijay Patil, Founder; Mr Kushagra Sharma, CEO and Dr Ashay Karpe, Co-founder from SunAct.

“This Centre is a continuation of our vision—to democratise the world’s most advanced cancer therapies and deliver them where they’re needed most,” adds Dr Vijay Patil, Founder, SunAct.

“With the launch of our fourth centre in Nashik, we continue our mission to make these cutting-edge therapies accessible and affordable, integrating innovation with research to redefine cancer care in India,” adds Dr Ashay Karpe, Co-founder, SunAct.

“Our partnership with HCG Manavata is about bringing tomorrow’s treatments to today’s patients, right here in Nashik. Every life deserves access to advanced care, no matter where they live,” adds Mr Kushagra Sharma, CEO, SunAct.

“The Centre of Excellence introduces cutting-edge treatments including as CAR T-cell Therapies, TCR (T-cell Receptor) Therapies, TIL (Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) Therapies, Gamma Delta T-cell Platforms, Gene Therapies, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Precision Diagnostics, and Clinical Trials—bringing global-standard cancer therapies closer to home for patients in Nashik and surrounding regions. The latest facility will serve as a hub for innovation, research and patient-centric care that empowers both clinicians and families,” concludes Prof Dr Nagarkar.