The newly launched centre introduces India’s first CAR T-Cell Therapy for solid tumours

SunAct Cancer Institute and Smita Memorial Hospital, founded by Dr Suresh H Advani announced the opening of South India’s premier Centre of Excellence in CAR T-Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Smita Memorial Hospital in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala.

The Centre was inaugurated by V Vigneshwari, District Collector and District Magistrate of Idukki, in the presence of Dr Advani, SunAct’s co-founders Dr Vijay Patil and Dr Ashay Karpe, and other dignitaries from the oncology and healthcare ecosystem.

The newly launched centre introduces India’s first CAR T-Cell Therapy for solid tumours. In addition to CAR-T, the centre will offer: - TCR (T-Cell Receptor) Therapies

-  TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes)

-  Gamma Delta T-Cell Platforms

-  Gene Therapies

-  A dedicated Pediatric Oncology Program

The Centre will also accelerate access to Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT), clinical trials, and new immunotherapies — reinforcing a shared commitment to next-generation care.

Dr Advani stated, “The new Centre of Excellence represents the next frontier: where science, compassion, and collaboration unite to transform patient outcomes."

Dr Vijay Patil said, “We are honoured to launch the first Centre of Excellence in CAR T-Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation in South India. With the visionary guidance of Dr Advani, we are committed to making the most advanced cancer therapies — previously only available in elite global centres — both accessible and affordable for Indian patients."

Dr Ashay Karpe, Co-Founder, SunAct Cancer Institute, noted, “This collaboration is a convergence of cutting-edge science and seasoned clinical wisdom. By combining SunAct’s pioneering Cell and Gene Therapies with Dr. Advani’s clinical legacy and Smita Memorial’s infrastructure, we are setting a new benchmark for how cancer should be treated — precise, humane, and accessible.”