A University of Pretoria (UP) graduate who received her PhD in medical immunology hopes to make life-saving stem cell transplants more accessible to children with blood cancers.

This is what drove the research by paediatric haematologist and oncologist Candice Hendricks into umbilical cord blood units. Dr Hendricks received her degree from UP’s Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology during UP’s 2024 Spring Graduation ceremonies recently. Her journey from being a dedicated paediatric haematologist and oncologist to becoming a clinician-scientist highlights her commitment to advancing paediatric care in South Africa.

Her transition from clinical practice to research was also not without challenges. “It was like being a first-year medical student all over again,” she says. “The shift from the familiar rhythms of the hospital ward to the intricate world of laboratory research demanded not only a new set of skills but also a fresh perspective.” 

Yet, despite these hurdles, she embraced the challenge with the support of her colleagues and supervisors, who played a crucial role in her successful adaptation to the lab environment.

Dr Hendricks’ clinical background, particularly her work with paediatric patients suffering from acute leukaemias, has profoundly influenced her research approach. “The practice of paediatric haematology requires a firm understanding of basic sciences, especially the influence of genetic mutations in disease development,” she explains. This foundational knowledge has driven her to delve deeper into the mechanisms of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a critical area of study for those affected by blood cancers.

She says one of the most significant advancements in her field has been the development of CAR-T cell therapy, a revolutionary treatment offering new hope to patients with high-risk haematological malignancies. She is particularly inspired by the potential of these genetic modifications to provide cures where none previously existed, further fuelling her passion for research.

Looking to the future, she hopes to have a transformative impact on paediatric oncology in South Africa through improved access to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. “We are currently performing a paucity of these transplants,” she notes. Her goal is to enhance donor numbers, clinical skills and resource allocation to make this life-saving treatment more widely available to South African children. Her specific PhD research focused on umbilical cord blood haematopoietic stem cells from HIV-exposed but uninfected infants, to determine whether these umbilical cord blood units could be a potential donor source for haematopoietic stem cell transplants in HIV-endemic countries such as South Africa.

Interdisciplinary collaboration has been a cornerstone of her research journey. “Every effort of value requires a team,” she asserts, highlighting the importance of working alongside molecular scientists, pharmacologists, public health physicians and other experts to achieve common goals. This collaborative spirit is something she hopes to continue fostering as she mentors the next generation of clinician-scientists. 

For young researchers and clinicians considering a similar path, Dr Hendricks offers sage advice: “A PhD is very difficult, but it is made easier if there is a vision about what you are trying to achieve. Passion for the outcome will provide the drive during the particularly challenging days.”

As she prepares to embark on the next phase of her career, her immediate focus remains on improving paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation access. Beyond that, she plans to continue her molecular research on local patient populations while also guiding other PhD students on their journeys. 

Her work promises to leave a lasting legacy, advancing both the science and the practice of paediatric care in South Africa.