Nairobi West Hospital has launched local production of radioactive isotopes, marking a major step in Kenya’s fight against cancer. With the acquisition of a Cyclotron 11 MeV machine, the hospital becomes the third in the country to locally manufacture these vital cancer-tracing elements, following Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital.
The locally produced isotopes are critical in diagnosing cancer and tracking its progression or remission through advanced imaging technologies. The production began on May 15 and is expected to drastically reduce delays in imaging services, which have historically led to late-stage cancer diagnoses and poor outcomes.
To mark this development, the hospital hosted a symposium titled “Molecular Frontiers: The Convergence of Imaging, Therapy, and AI,” bringing together international experts and innovators in medical imaging and nuclear medicine. The event covered a range of topics including artificial intelligence in PET/CT imaging, radiation safety, and the integration of these technologies into oncology and cardiology care.
This milestone complements earlier advancements by the hospital, such as the installation of an AI-enabled digital PET/CT scanner in March of the previous year. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a highly accurate technique that allows clinicians to detect diseases at an early stage and plan treatment more effectively. The scanner, now supported by locally produced isotopes, significantly enhances diagnostic capabilities.
The enhanced imaging accuracy is particularly evident in lung cancer cases, where digital PET scans boast accuracy rates of over 90%, compared to 60-70% with traditional CT scans. The ability to detect metastases more effectively allows for better treatment planning and patient monitoring.
Research efforts are also underway at the hospital, including projects in dose painting and adaptive therapy, which aim to personalize radiation doses to specific tumor areas for improved outcomes.
The initiative has received strong backing from the government, with officials highlighting the importance of such innovations in achieving universal health coverage. The focus on local production of isotopes also aligns with broader goals to reduce dependency on imports, which have historically delayed critical diagnostics.
International collaboration is playing a vital role in this transformation. Experts from institutions such as Longevous Beamtech stressed the importance of locally driven solutions to enhance radiopharmaceutical access. By expanding isotope production capacity within East Africa, the region can better meet the growing demand for timely and effective cancer imaging and treatment.
This advancement marks a turning point for Kenya’s healthcare system, placing cutting-edge cancer diagnosis and care within reach for many more patients.
