In a significant milestone for India’s oncology landscape, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC), Nashik hosted the ASCO Direct GI Cancers Symposium 2026, positioning India among a select group of nations delivering this globally recognized academic program. With this, India becomes the sixth country worldwide to host the ASCO Direct series, reinforcing its growing stature in global oncology education.
The two-day symposium was designed as a high-impact, practice-oriented scientific forum, aimed at translating global clinical research into actionable insights for Indian oncologists. The primary focus remained on advancing standards of care in gastrointestinal cancers, one of the most critical and complex areas in oncology.
The event brought together over 150 delegates and more than 40 leading experts across surgical, medical, and radiation oncology. It served as a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange, multidisciplinary discussions, and innovation in GI cancer management.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director, KIMS Manavata Hospitals, stated: “Hosting the ASCO Direct GI Cancers Symposium in Nashik is a defining moment for India’s oncology ecosystem. It reflects the country’s rapid progress as a hub for advanced clinical practice and high-quality medical education. Our objective was to bridge global scientific advancements with practical, patient-centric outcomes.”
A major highlight of the symposium was its simulation-based robotic training and hands-on learning modules, featuring cutting-edge surgical systems from Intuitive, CMR Surgical, and Edge Robotic Systems. These sessions provided surgeons with direct exposure to next-generation robotic technologies, underlining the increasing adoption of minimally invasive techniques in complex cancer surgeries.
The academic program featured contributions from eminent oncology experts including Dr. Raj Nagarkar, Dr. Vijaya Kumar, Dr. Shyam Mohan, Dr. Gopinath KS, Dr. Shishir Shetty, Dr. Govind Babu, Dr. Sachin Trivedi, Dr. Shailesh V. Shrikhande, Dr. Jagannath Dixith, and Dr. Jagdish Kothari. Discussions focused on emerging research, clinical advancements, and evolving treatment protocols in GI oncology.
Dr. Nagarkar further emphasized the significance of integrating practical training within academic platforms:
“The inclusion of hands-on robotic training within a global scientific forum is a transformative step. Exposure to multiple advanced systems in a single setting accelerates the adoption of minimally invasive approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes through reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.”
The ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, organized under the ASCO Direct initiative, is a globally respected platform dedicated exclusively to GI cancers. It brings together leading clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share evidence-based insights and advance cancer care standards worldwide.