The 2-day program brought world-class oncology education and hands-on robotic training to Nashik.
In a landmark achievement for Indian oncology, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC), Nashik, hosted the prestigious ASCO Direct GI Cancers Symposium 2026, marking India’s entry into an elite group of nations hosting this global academic program. India now stands as the sixth country worldwide to host the ASCO Direct series, delivering high-impact global oncology education to clinicians. The two-day scientific symposium focused on advancing standards of care in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers through practice-oriented sessions tailored for Indian clinicians.
The event brought together over 150 delegates and more than 40 distinguished speakers and experts across surgical, medical and radiation oncology, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation in GI cancer management. Participants engaged in discussions on cutting-edge evidence, evolving treatment paradigms and multidisciplinary approaches to complex GI malignancies.
“Hosting the ASCO Direct GI Cancers Symposium in Nashik is a proud moment not just for our institution, but for India’s oncology ecosystem. It reflects how rapidly India is evolving as a hub for high-quality oncology education and advanced clinical practice. Our focus was to ensure that global scientific insights are translated into practical, patient-centric outcomes,” said Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Services and Managing Director, KIMS Manavata Hospitals, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre and Six Sigma, Nashik.
A key highlight was the simulation-based robotic training and hands-on learning sessions featuring advanced robotic surgical systems from Intuitive, CMR Surgical and Edge Robotic Systems. These sessions enabled participating surgeons to gain practical exposure to next-generation robotic technologies, underscoring the expanding role of minimally invasive approaches in complex cancer surgeries.
The academic program was led by eminent oncology experts, including Dr Raj Nagarkar, Dr Vijaya Kumar, Dr Shyam Mohan, Dr Gopinath K.S., Dr Shishir Shetty, Dr Govind Babu, Dr Sachin Trivedi, Dr Shailesh V. Shrikhande, Dr Jagannath Dixith and Dr Jagdish Kothari, whose insights enriched discussions on the latest advances in GI cancer treatment and research.
“The integration of hands-on robotic training into a global academic forum like ASCO Direct is unprecedented. By allowing surgeons to train on multiple advanced platforms in a single setting, we are accelerating the adoption of minimally invasive techniques across India. This translates directly to better outcomes, including shorter hospital stays, less pain and faster recovery for patients,” Dr Nagarkar added.
The ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, organized under the ASCO Direct series by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, is a globally recognized scientific forum dedicated exclusively to cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It brings together clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world to share knowledge, discuss emerging evidence and advance standards of care in GI oncology.
