South African trial tests off-the-shelf engineered immune cells against lymphoma
Wits University researchers are testing imported engineered natural killer cells for safety and effectiveness in treating resistant B-cell lymphoma.
South African researchers at Wits University are conducting a trial using off-the-shelf engineered natural killer (NK) cells to treat lymphoma that has returned or resisted treatment. The trial, called QUILT-106, focuses on certain B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and tests the safety and early effectiveness of these imported NK cells.
The engineered NK cells carry a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD19, a protein on some B cells. They are tested alone and in combination with rituximab, an antibody treatment targeting CD20. Unlike conventional CAR-T therapies that require producing a personalised treatment from each patient's own T cells, this approach uses a shared laboratory cell line manufactured abroad and imported for the study.
Dr Jackie Thomson, a clinical haematologist at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, leads the research and training of specialists in complex blood cancer care. She said outcomes varied: some patients did not respond, while others went into remission quickly. Further research and follow-up are needed to identify which patients benefit and how long responses last.
The trial aims to simplify logistics and potentially reduce costs compared to autologous CAR-T therapy, though affordability depends on final pricing and delivery expenses. South Africa's National Cancer Registry recorded 2,342 new non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases and 1,428 leukaemia cases in 2024, highlighting the need for advanced treatments.
We'd argue that while the QUILT-106 trial holds promise, the real challenge lies in ensuring these imported engineered NK cells are affordable and accessible to South African patients. With over 2,300 new lymphoma cases reported this year, we need clarity on the final treatment costs and whether this approach can be supported across public and private sectors, especially given the infrastructure demands described by Dr Thomson.
Delivering such therapies requires specialised clinical and laboratory infrastructure. Thomson established the transplant unit in 2019, and in 2025 the Wits Donald Gordon Cellular and Immunotherapy Centre received JACIE accreditation, recognising compliance with international standards.
The centre also trains doctors through supervised ward rounds and academic meetings to build expertise in transplantation and cell therapies. Thomson noted challenges in finding funded posts for trained specialists, stressing the need for expanding access supported by diagnostic services and timely referrals.
While Thomson would like to focus more on the science of natural killer cells, her work currently balances research, clinical care, teaching, and maintaining systems that support advanced blood cancer treatments.
Sources
Source: Wits University
