Medical Milestone as KU Hospital Undertakes First CyberKnife Treatment

The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has achieved a significant medical breakthrough by successfully treating its first patient using the CyberKnife procedure.

The CyberKnife machine procured by KUTRRH is set to redefine Kenya’s medical landscape. Encouraged by the achievement, KUTRHH Chairperson, Prof Olive Mugenda explains the significance of the device which would help patients save money and time that would otherwise have been incurred seeking medical attention abroad. The acquisition of this state-of-the-art robot marks another milestone achieved in KUTRHH’s drive to become a top player in the oncology space.

The introduction of CyberKnife at KUTRRH was officially launched by President William Ruto in April 2021 to improve healthcare provision for non-communicable diseases locally. Mugenda commends the feat as having a broader regional and continental significance. As a result, Kenyans and other patients in the region no longer need to travel outside their country or continent to receive these services.

The utilization of highly precise image-guided radiation delivery comes as a significant advancement in medical care. CyberKnife treatment offers a painless and non-invasive option for patients with both cancerous and non-cancerous tumours. This innovative therapy, available at KUTTRH, provides accurate and effective treatment for various medical conditions, particularly cancer while minimizing side effects and enhancing the overall patient experience. Each individual undergoes treatment tailored to their medical condition, including considerations like tumour type, location, and overall health.

It’s noteworthy that the CyberKnife machine is capable of treating a diverse array of ailments: brain tumours, prostate cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, non-cancerous pancreatic lesions, spine tumours, trigeminal neuralgia and even epilepsy. A standout characteristic of the machine is its capability to detect any tumour movement in real time. In turn, radiation beams can be immediately adjusted. Aside from ensuring non-invasiveness, this technique also enables quicker recovery times and ensures fewer complications for patients as it does not rely on incision or any form of anaesthesia.

The utilization of the CyberKnife technique helps to minimize damage to uninvolved tissues surrounding cancer sites. As compared to traditional radiation therapy routines, which entail a duration of 20 to 30 sessions, the CyberKnife plan of action can be completed in as few as 3 to 6 outpatient appointments.