In a groundbreaking moment, the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday by administering the inaugural CyberKnife radiotherapy treatment to a cancer patient.
This pioneering achievement was carried out by a team of five dedicated KUTRRH physicians, marking the first utilization of the CyberKnife System in the country. Launched in May, the CyberKnife System stands as the premier and solitary fully robotic radiotherapy apparatus designed exclusively for cancer treatment.
Kenya’s acquisition of the CyberKnife has positioned the nation as a trailblazer in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that local patients gain access to the remarkably precise stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments it offers.
The esteemed team of medical experts responsible for this groundbreaking treatment includes Abdil Jabbar, a distinguished medical physicist hailing from Accurray, USA, and Ruth Wambui, a proficient radiation therapist serving as the KUTRRH CyberKnife Centre Manager.
Complementing their expertise are Peter Lorey, a highly skilled medical physicist and Head of the Radiotherapy Department at KUTRRH, Tracy Irura, a trained Radiation Oncologist within the hospital, and Shridhar, an accomplished radiation oncologist from HCG in India.
Prof Olive Mugenda, the Chairperson of KUTRRH, bore witness to this historic procedure. She reflected on the remarkable journey that began last year, leading to the acquisition of the CyberKnife and its official launch by President William Ruto.
Additionally, on the diagnostic front, the hospital has augmented its services with the acquisition of Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) and Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT-CT) facilities.
These new additions complement the existing linear particle accelerator (LINAC) and brachytherapy machines, enhancing the hospital’s capabilities in treating cancerous tumors.
Recent Posts
Kalonzo Alleges Government Being Controlled by Election Financiers
Parliament Puts Brakes on CBC Education Reforms Report
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania Secure Rights to Host 2027 AFCON
Government Transfers Ksh 35.2 Billion in Landmark Fuel Transaction
Revolutionizing Governance: Interior Ministry Unveils 30 New Administrators
