While researching emerging health solutions, one protocol stood out—a groundbreaking cancer treatment pioneered by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Unlike many alternative approaches or traditional chemotherapy models, this method offers a precise, immune-based solution using cutting-edge science, not just natural prevention.
Known as the “Triangle Offense” Protocol, this approach leverages three critical arms of the immune system to launch a powerful, personalized attack against cancer.
Where does stand in South Africa presently?
It appears that Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong’s cancer immunotherapy protocol—including the Cancer Breakthrough 2020 / QUILT initiative—is not yet available as an established clinical treatment in South Africa. Clinical trials remain centered in the U.S., and no approved NK-cell/T-cell/dendritic cell immunotherapy treatments are currently offered in South African hospitals.
That said, significant infrastructure developments are underway in South Africa:
- In September 2021, NantWorks (Dr. Soon‑Shiong’s biotech network), in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), CSIR, and major universities (Wits, Stellenbosch, KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town), launched a national initiative to establish vaccine and immunotherapy manufacturing capacity, including cancer vaccine platforms and cell-based therapies SAnews+10The Mail & Guardian+10The Herald+10.
- In January 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa formally opened NantSA, a Cape Town-based biologics and vaccine manufacturing facility backed by Soon‑Shiong. The facility aims to eventually produce cancer and infectious disease vaccines, and support immunotherapy research across the continent Reddit+3Health Policy Watch+3TimesLIVE+3.
- These efforts include technology transfer agreements, research centers of excellence, and investment in immune-oncology and genomic infrastructure—laying groundwork for future clinical access The Herald.
So, What Is the Triangle Offense in Cancer Immunotherapy?
Dr. Soon-Shiong’s protocol activates three immune components in harmony:
- Natural Killer (NK) Cells
- T Cells
- Dendritic Cells (trained via vaccine delivery)
This coordinated strategy triggers immunogenic cell death, helping the immune system recognize and destroy tumors—all without relying on toxic chemotherapy.
Cancer Breakthrough 2020 and QUILT Trials
Launched in 2017 under the Cancer Breakthrough 2020 initiative and the QUILT Trials (QUantitative Immuno-oncology Lifelong Trial), this approach is transforming cancer care by:
- Prioritizing outpatient immunotherapy
- Avoiding high-dose chemotherapy
- Enrolling patients with aggressive or late-stage cancers, such as:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Lung cancer
- Merkel-cell carcinoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
✅ Reported results:
Several Phase I/II trials have already shown complete remission in patients with previously treatment-resistant cancers.
How the Protocol Works: A Precision Approach
🔬 Genomic and Proteomic Profiling
Each patient undergoes whole-genome sequencing, RNA analysis, and proteomics to identify tumor-specific antigens and immune vulnerabilities.
🎯 Patient Stratification & Trial Design
Patients are grouped based on cancer type and disease stage, then assigned to standard-of-care vs. standard + immunotherapy combinations.
⚔️ Triple-Targeted Immune Activation
- Dendritic cell vaccine primes the immune system (via adenovirus vector).
- Engineered NK cells (“off-the-shelf”) are introduced.
- T-cell activation supports a robust, multi-layered immune assault.
🏥 Outpatient Treatment Delivery
Treatments are administered without hospitalization. NK cells are cryopreserved and prepared in advance for scalable use.
Why This Cancer Protocol Is Revolutionary
🔹 Applies Across Tumor Types
This strategy works regardless of the cancer’s location or origin.
🔹 Lower Toxicity, Higher Safety
The goal: eliminate chemotherapy side effects by focusing solely on immune-based therapy.
🔹 Genomic Precision = Personalized Care
Treatment is customized using each patient’s tumor DNA and antigen signature.
🔹 Proven Results in Aggressive Cancers
Complete remissions have been reported even in hard-to-treat cases like pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancer.
Summary: A New Era in Cancer Treatment
When Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong refers to his revolutionary cancer protocol, he’s talking about a new, personalized era of immune-powered healing. This is not a single-drug solution—it’s an orchestrated, multi-layered immune response supported by:
- Dendritic cell vaccines
- Engineered NK and T cells
- Advanced genomic profiling
- AI-driven platforms (NantCloud and NantAI)
Together, they form a chemo-free, scalable solution aimed at lasting remission—and possibly, a cure.