Nairobi: The fight against cancer has received a major boost following the introduction of nuclear therapy treatment in the country, offering renewed hope to thousands of patients battling the disease. The advanced treatment, known as theranostics, involves injecting radioactive medicine directly into cancerous tumours to destroy them from within, minimising damage to healthy body tissues.
According to Kenya News Agency, the breakthrough therapy has been launched at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), the first facility in Kenya and the East African region to offer nuclear cancer treatment. The milestone was marked by a pioneer training on the safe use of nuclear medicine, bringing together local and international experts.
Dr Harish Nagaraj, Consultant and Head of Nuclear Medicine at KUTRRH’s Molecular Imaging Centre, said the procedure targets cancers such as prostate and breast cancer, which have not always responded well to traditional treatment methods. ‘A lot of finances are required in nuclear therapy, and that is why support from the government and donors is crucial since it is not yet covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA),’ said Dr Nagaraj.
Each treatment cycle costs about Sh1.3 million, and a patient requires between four and six cycles. Despite the high cost, Dr Nagaraj emphasised that the therapy’s precision and effectiveness make it a potential game changer in cancer management. Visiting experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr Janke Kleynhans and Prof. Jan Zeevaart, endorsed the safety and success of nuclear medicine, noting that it minimises side effects and targets only affected cells.
‘Unlike conventional oncology drugs that affect the entire body, this treatment directly targets the tumour and is safely excreted afterwards. It is among the safest and most effective cancer therapies,’ Dr Janke explained. Deputy Director in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Dr Frank Sawanga, urged Kenyans to embrace nuclear science and overcome misconceptions linking it to radiation and bombs.
‘We need stronger science diplomacy to help the public understand the benefits of nuclear applications in health,’ he said. KUTRRH Chief Executive Dr Zainab Gura reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in nuclear medicine, while Dr Andrew Toro, Director in the Department of Medical Services, said talks are underway to include the therapy under the national insurance cover.