Bengaluru : Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC), Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, today announced the launch of its dedicated Apollo Cellular Therapy and Blood and Marrow Transplant Center, marking a significant milestone in advancing comprehensive cancer and haematology care in Karnataka. The new facility reinforces Apollo’s commitment to bringing multiple advanced cellular therapies and transplant modalities under one roof, enabling patients to access world-class, evidence-based treatments closer to home.

The launch event was attended by Dr. Neema Bhat, Senior Consultant Hematology BMT Physician and Paediatric Oncology; Prof. Dr. Vijay Agarwal, Senior and Lead consultant – Medical Oncology, Prof Dr Vishwanath S – Senior Consultant and Academic Advisor – Medical Oncology and Haemato oncology; Dr. Poonam Maurya, Senior consultant Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology; Dr. Aditya Murali, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology. Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO – Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals, was also present.

Speaking about the new facility, Dr. Neema Bhat, Senior Consultant Hematology BMT Physician and Paediatric Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Bengaluru, said, “This launch marks another significant step in Apollo Hospital’s ongoing mission to make high-end cancer care more accessible in Karnataka. The new centre will cater to a wide range of patients requiring transplants for various conditions, including leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, aplastic anaemia, thalassemia, andother complex hematologic disorders. It will be supported by an experienced team of haematologists,oncologists, infectious disease specialists, and critical care experts, working together to provideseamless care from diagnosis to post-transplant recovery. By providing advanced treatment options,the centre aims to improve survival outcomes and quality of life for the patients.”

Prof Dr Vishwanath S – Senior Consultant and Academic Advisor – Medical Oncology and Haemato oncology, Bengaluru, added, “A dedicated cellular therapy and transplant program must function onclinical discipline. What sets this centre apart is its focus on protocol fidelity, academic oversight, andrigorous infection-control systems. These elements are fundamental to delivering transplants safelyand consistently within a well-structured clinical environment.”

Prof. Dr. Vijay Agarwal, Senior and Lead consultant – Medical Oncology, Bengaluru, said “The future of cancer treatment lies in harnessing the body’s own cells to fight disease. With the establishment of this centre, we are creating an ecosystem that combines advanced research, clinical expertise, and compassionate care. Our focus is not only on performing transplants but also on developing next-generation cellular therapies that can transform outcomes in both malignant and non-malignant conditions.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO – Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals, said, “The launch of this state-of-the-art Centre is a testament to our focus on enhancing Karnataka’s healthcare infrastructure. With this new facility, we aim to expand access to complex haematology and transplant services for the patients in the State. Our endeavour is to ensure that every patient receives world-class care within their own state, supported by Apollo’s legacy of trust and excellence.”

Sharing her perspective, Dr. Poonam Maurya, Senior consultant Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Bengaluru, said, “One of the most overlooked challenges intransplant medicine is the sheer logistical strain on families—frequent consultations, complexinvestigations, and prolonged admissions. By integrating diagnostics, transplant services, andstructured post-transplant follow-up within a single ecosystem, this centre will substantially reducethat load and ensure a more streamlined and supportive care experience.”

Commenting on the significance of the new center, Dr. Aditya Murali, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology and Haemato oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Bengaluru, said, “Cellular therapies areevolving at a remarkable pace, spanning allogeneic and haploidentical transplants to increasinglysophisticated immune-engineered interventions. Delivering these modalities requires controlledenvironments, multidisciplinary coordination, and strict adherence to validated clinical protocols.This facility strengthens our ability to administer such therapies with the precision they demand.”

Apollo Hospitals has been at the forefront of expanding Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) programs across the country, with successful units in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. The new launch in Bengaluru extends Apollo’s cellular therapy and comprehensive transplant and expertise to southern Karnataka and neighbouring regions, reinforcing its position as one of India’s most trusted destinations for advanced cancer and haematology care.