The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N) has cemented its leadership in advanced cancer care by becoming the first medical facility in Kenya to offer Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy. This state-of-the-art nuclear medicine treatment is a game-changer for patients battling metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)—a particularly aggressive form of prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy represents a beacon of hope for patients whose treatment options have historically been limited. Backed by strong clinical evidence, this therapy not only extends survival but also significantly improves quality of life by reducing disease progression. Unlike conventional treatments, Lutetium-177 PSMA delivers a highly targeted dose of radiation directly to cancer cells, sparing healthy tissues and minimising side effects.
“The therapy precisely targets prostate cancer cells using a radioactive compound, delivering a powerful dose of radiation directly to tumours while minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissues,” explained Dr Samuel Nguku, Head of the Nuclear Medicine section at AKUH, N.
Despite global acceptance, access to Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy has remained limited in many parts of the world, including Kenya—until now. AKUH, N’s introduction of the therapy not only signals a new chapter in cancer care but also reflects the hospital’s commitment to pioneering patient-centric solutions.
“The introduction of Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy marks a major leap forward in cancer care for the region and reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming outcomes for patients by ensuring access to world-class, evidence-based treatment,” stated Prof Mansoor Saleh, Chair of the Haemato-Oncology Department.
Prostate cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Kenya and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men globally. The need for effective, accessible treatment has never been more urgent.
“As a hospital, we are committed to bringing the most advanced treatments to Kenya so that we can significantly improve patient outcomes while reducing the need for patients to seek care abroad,” noted Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of AKUH, N.
This latest milestone builds on the hospital’s strong track record in advanced diagnostics and therapies. In 2018, AKUH, N became the first hospital in East Africa to install a PET CT Scan and Cyclotron—critical technologies for detecting and managing cancer, cardiac conditions, and neurological diseases. By 2020, the hospital pioneered the use of PSMA PET CT imaging in the region, offering highly accurate prostate cancer diagnosis and staging. Since then, over 3,000 PSMA PET CT scans have been performed, vastly improving diagnostic accuracy and personalised treatment planning.
With the launch of Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, AKUH, N continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare. It is a reflection of a broader vision: to elevate the standards of care through innovation, excellence, and a deep-rooted commitment to patient wellbeing—both in Kenya and across East Africa.
