🚀 Wits University Celebrates Emerging Talent in Brain Cancer Research

Michael Gomes, a dedicated PhD candidate and medical student at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), has secured the prestigious 2026 South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Institutional Clinician Researcher Development Programme scholarship. This award recognizes his groundbreaking work on nanoparticle therapy for glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. At the forefront of South Africa's higher education innovation, Wits' Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP) is nurturing the next generation of clinician-scientists who bridge laboratory discoveries with real-world patient care.

Gomes' project exemplifies how South African universities are tackling global health challenges through advanced nanotechnology. As an intercalated PhD student—meaning he pursues doctoral research alongside his medical degree—Gomes aspires to specialize in neurosurgery. His scholarship, worth up to R300,000 annually for up to four years, funds protected research time, tuition, and project costs, allowing him to advance without financial strain.

This achievement highlights Wits' commitment to fostering interdisciplinary talent. For aspiring researchers eyeing opportunities in South African academia, explore higher ed research jobs or university jobs to join similar cutting-edge teams.

Understanding Glioblastoma: A Silent Killer in South Africa

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a grade IV glioma originating from glial cells that support neurons in the brain, is notorious for its rapid growth and infiltration into surrounding tissue. Globally, the median survival after diagnosis stands at 12 to 18 months, even with aggressive multimodal therapy including maximal safe resection, radiation, and temozolomide chemotherapy. In South Africa, outcomes are often worse, influenced by factors like delayed diagnosis, limited access to neurosurgical centers, and socioeconomic barriers.

Recent data from South African national mortality records (1999-2020) reveal over 315,000 brain cancer-related deaths, with age-standardized rates hovering around 4.26-4.63 per 100,000 in men. Urban areas bear the brunt, reporting 259,402 deaths compared to 56,136 in rural regions. Incidence remains low relative to other cancers—about 3-4% of total malignancies—but mortality trends show minimal decline, underscoring the urgent need for innovative interventions tailored to local contexts.

GBM's resilience stems from its heterogeneity, genetic mutations like IDH1/2 and MGMT promoter methylation status, and the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB), which shields the brain but blocks 98% of small-molecule drugs. South African higher education institutions like Wits are pivotal in addressing these gaps through targeted research.

The Blood-Brain Barrier Challenge and Nanoparticle Solutions

The BBB, a selective semi-permeable membrane formed by endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes, maintains brain homeostasis but poses a formidable obstacle for chemotherapy agents like temozolomide. Traditional delivery results in subtherapeutic concentrations at tumor sites, leading to resistance and recurrence.

Nanoparticles—particulate carriers 1-100 nm in size—offer a paradigm shift. They encapsulate drugs, protect them from degradation, enable surface functionalization for targeting, and control release kinetics. Gomes' research at WADDP compares three promising platforms:

• Liposomes: Spherical vesicles of phospholipid bilayers, FDA-approved (e.g., Doxil for cancer), biocompatible, and capable of encapsulating hydrophilic/hydrophobic drugs. They fuse with cell membranes for efficient uptake.
• PLGA nanoparticles: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), biodegradable FDA-approved polymer, degrades via hydrolysis into lactic and glycolic acids, metabolized naturally. Engineered for sustained release over weeks, ideal for chronic therapy.
• Polydopamine nanoparticles: Bioinspired from mussel adhesion and dopamine polymerization, exhibit high drug loading, photothermal properties, and biocompatibility. Less explored for GBM but promising due to brain-native dopamine mimicry, potentially reducing immunogenicity.

These systems enhance permeability and retention (EPR) effect in leaky tumor vasculature while minimizing off-target effects. For those pursuing careers in nanomedicine, Wits offers robust training; check higher ed career advice for tips.

Leveraging the Glymphatic System for Direct Brain Access

Gomes' innovation lies in exploiting the glymphatic system, a perivascular network discovered in 2012, that facilitates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow into brain parenchyma for waste clearance, akin to the lymphatic system. Active during sleep, it uses aquaporin-4 channels in astrocytic endfeet to drive convective flow.

Step-by-step delivery process:

1. Intra-cisternal or intrathecal nanoparticle injection into CSF.
2. Nanoparticles travel via glymphatic pathways along arteries into interstitial spaces.
3. Targeted accumulation in GBM via surface ligands (e.g., anti-EGFR antibodies).
4. Controlled drug release triggered by tumor microenvironment (pH, enzymes).
5. Enhanced penetration, apoptosis induction, reduced systemic toxicity.

Preclinical studies show glymphatic-mediated nanoparticles achieve 5-10x higher brain concentrations than intravenous routes, bypassing BBB. This approach holds particular promise for South Africa, where invasive procedures are feasible in urban centers like Johannesburg.

Learn more via Wits official announcement.

Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform: Africa's Nanomedicine Powerhouse

Established in 2007 by Professor Yahya Choonara, NRF Research Chair and WADDP Director, this flagship unit boasts 452 peer-reviewed publications, 52 patents—the largest nanomedicine portfolio in Africa—and has trained 131 postgraduates. Recognized as an ANDI Centre of Excellence, WADDP focuses on patient-centric innovations for TB, HIV, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Choonara, recipient of the 2022 FIP Distinguished Pharmaceutical Science Award and TWAS Fellow, leads a team bridging preclinical models with clinical translation. Dr. Divesha Essa, Gomes' primary supervisor and nanomedicine expert, specializes in targeted delivery and 3D tumor models. Additional mentors Dr. Nnamdi Ikemefuna Okafor and Professor Dinesh Naidoo bring neurosurgery and pharmacology expertise.

"Programmes like this create the space for talented students to pursue advanced research while remaining connected to clinical practice," says Choonara. Essa emphasizes clinician-scientists' role: "They understand practical challenges and design real-world solutions."

The SAMRC Scholarship: Empowering South Africa's Clinician-Scientists

The SAMRC Institutional Clinician Researcher Development Programme targets medical professionals pursuing PhDs, funding up to R250,000-R300,000 annually to cover stipends, fees, and research costs. Aimed at building a pipeline of translational researchers, it prioritizes priority areas like non-communicable diseases and cancer.

For South African universities, this initiative bolsters research capacity amid National Development Plan goals. Wits' success with Gomes underscores its excellence, attracting top talent. Similar opportunities abound; visit scholarships for more.

Essa notes: "Gomes' project is part of a larger effort with neurosurgeons, using realistic tumor models to test systems that reflect patient realities."

Stakeholder Perspectives and Real-World Impact

Neurosurgeons praise the potential: direct CSF delivery could complement surgery, reducing recurrence. Patients and advocates highlight hope for equitable access in resource-limited settings. Economically, successful therapies could save healthcare costs—GBM treatment exceeds R500,000 per patient in SA.

Broader Wits contributions include TB heart-targeting nanoparticles and UTI nanomedicines, showcasing nanotech's versatility. For SA higher ed, this positions Wits as a hub; explore jobs in ZA higher ed.

Future Outlook: From Bench to Bedside in South Africa

Gomes envisions preclinical validation leading to phase I trials within 5-7 years, potentially revolutionizing GBM care. Challenges include scalability, regulatory approval via SAHPRA, and clinical trials in diverse populations. Optimism stems from WADDP's track record and international collaborations.

"It's an opportunity to contribute to new approaches that could improve outcomes," says Gomes. For South Africa's higher education landscape, such breakthroughs attract funding, talent, and partnerships.

Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash

Career Pathways in SA Higher Ed Research

Inspired by Gomes? South African universities seek clinician-researchers. Wits and peers offer postdoctoral fellowships, lecturer positions, and research grants. Build your profile with free resume templates and career advice. Key steps:

• Pursue intercalated PhDs or clinician-scientist tracks.
• Secure NRF/SAMRC funding.
• Collaborate on translational projects.
• Publish in high-impact journals.

Platforms like AcademicJobs connect you to rate my professor, higher ed jobs, and recruitment. Engage via comments below and shape SA's research future.