Mumbai/Thane, Thursday, March 13, 2025: SunAct Cancer Institute is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with Smita Memorial Hospital & Research Centre in Thodupuzha, Kerala (approximately 60 km from Kochi), to transform cancer treatment in India. This partnership will establish a Centre for Advanced Cancer Therapeutics at Smita Memorial Hospital, significantly enhancing cancer care services by integrating some of the most advanced and innovative therapies available today. Strengthening this initiative is Dr. Suresh H. Advani, widely regarded as the Father of Medical Oncology in India. A recipient of the Padma Shri (2002) and Padma Bhushan (2012), Dr. Advani’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing cancer treatment through this collaboration.
SunAct Cancer Institute is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of cancer care by integrating research-driven innovation with patient-centric treatment. With this collaboration, SunAct aims to introduce cutting-edge therapies, expand access to precision medicine, and enhance clinical outcomes. By leveraging Smita Memorial Hospital’s world-class infrastructure and Dr. Advani’s unparalleled expertise, this initiative is set to redefine the standard of oncology care in India.
Dr. Advani, Chairman, Smita Memorial Hospital & Research Centre, said, “This collaboration marks a defining moment in India’s fight against cancer. By bringing together cutting-edge therapies and world-class expertise, we are creating a healthcare ecosystem where patients have access to the best possible treatments without needing to travel abroad. Our shared vision is to make breakthrough cancer care more accessible and affordable.”
“SunAct Cancer Institute was founded with the mission of bridging the gap in high-quality cancer treatment through innovation and research-driven care. This partnership with Smita Memorial Hospital, coupled with the expertise of Dr. Advani, will allow us to introduce transformative therapies like CAR-T cell treatment for solid tumors—something unprecedented in India. We are setting a new benchmark in oncology,” said Dr. (Prof.) Vijay Patil, Founder of SunAct Cancer Institute.
A key milestone of this collaboration is the introduction of CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors, a revolutionary treatment currently unavailable elsewhere in India. In addition, the initiative will focus on TCR, TIL, Gamma Delta, Gene Therapy, and Pediatric Oncology Services, ensuring comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for patients. The partnership will also strengthen Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) programs and expand access to cutting-edge clinical trials, reinforcing a shared commitment to world-class cancer care.
SunAct so far
2023: Establishment of SunAct Cancer Institute, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in cancer care
May- July 2024: First CAR T Cell Therapy for Rhabdomyosarcoma, Ovarian Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer & Esophageal Cancer, in India
August 2024: First TCR targeting TP53 mutation developed for Cholangiocarcinoma & First CAR T Cell Therapy for small cell Lung Cancer in India
September 2024: First KRAS TCR & first CAR T TCR for Lung Cancer, First CAR T Targeting HER2+mutation developed for Gastric Carcinoma, first CAR T Therapy for Colorectal Cancer in India, first CAR T Targeting HER2+ mutation developed for Salivary Gland Carcinoma
October 2024: First bispecific CS1 BCMA CART developed for Relapse/Refractory Multiple Myeloma, first bispecific TCR targeting TP53 and APC mutation developed for Colorectal Carcinoma
November 2024: First administration of Claudin 18.2 CART for Pancreatic Cancer
January 2025: First CAR-T therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) for aggressive brain tumour
February 2025: First Dual CD19, CD20 CAR-T Cell Therapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
