Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has introduced a groundbreaking treatment for advanced prostate cancer. The hospital has begun offering Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, a theranostic approach that targets prostate tumours with precision. This development is expected to significantly reduce the need for patients to seek treatment overseas. The treatment combines diagnosis and therapy to pinpoint and destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue.
The theranostic method uses a small dose of radioactive medicine to locate tumour cells on a scan. A second radioactive agent then delivers targeted radiation to those cells. This technique has been made possible by the hospital's Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre, which is equipped with PET/CT and SPECT/CT scanners. These facilities support the theranostic workflow and facilitate collaboration among oncologists, radiologists, and nuclear medicine specialists.
KUTRRH started offering Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment in November 2025 for selected patients with advanced prostate cancer. The hospital is the first public hospital in the region to provide this service. Prostate cancer is a significant health concern in Kenya, accounting for 3,582 new cases in 2022. It represents 21.9% of male cancers and is the leading cause of cancer death among men.
The introduction of theranostics is not meant to replace conventional surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Instead, it adds a precision option for patients meeting specific molecular criteria. This treatment has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer. The hospital hopes that this investment will also train more Kenyan specialists in theranostics.
The adoption of theranostics at KUTRRH is expected to have a broader impact on cancer care in the region. The hospital aims to attract patients from neighbouring countries and stimulate research into targeted therapies for other types of cancer, such as neuroendocrine tumours. By providing this advanced treatment locally, KUTRRH is reducing the financial and logistical burden on patients who would otherwise seek care abroad.
The KUTRRH team believes that the availability of theranostics will enhance the quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer. This treatment approach can help alleviate symptoms and potentially extend the lives of patients. The hospital's commitment to providing cutting-edge cancer care is evident in its investment in theranostics and its efforts to build a team of skilled specialists.
As KUTRRH continues to offer Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, the hospital is poised to become a leading centre for cancer care in the region. The successful implementation of this treatment will depend on ongoing collaboration among healthcare professionals and continued investment in research and training.
Key points
- KUTRRH is the first public hospital in the region to offer Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
- The hospital's Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre supports the theranostic workflow and facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration.
- The introduction of theranostics is expected to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment overseas.
