A first‑in‑human phase 1 study tested off‑the‑shelf iPSC‑derived invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer and reported initial safety and feasibility data. Investigators described the product as an allogeneic, engineered immune cell therapy designed to engage innate and adaptive antitumor responses without the logistic complexity of autologous manufacturing. The trial’s early readouts focus on tolerability and pharmacodynamics; sponsors highlighted immune activation signals supporting further escalation and combination strategies. Allogeneic iPSC‑derived immune effectors aim to shorten manufacturing timelines and broaden patient access compared with bespoke autologous approaches. Clarification: iNKT cells are a hybrid innate‑adaptive lymphocyte subset that can rapidly produce cytokines and modulate tumor immunity.