There is new hope for prostate cancer patients as Aga Khan University Hospital pioneers advanced nuclear medicine therapy in Kenya on July 3, 2025.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2020, prostate cancer deaths in Kenya reached 1,292, representing 0.49% of total deaths, with an age-adjusted death rate of 24.17 per 100,000 population, ranking Kenya 51st globally.
The institution has introduced PSMA PET CT imaging, which enhances the precision of prostate cancer diagnosis and staging. Additionally, by providing Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, it has improved survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients, offering them a renewed chance at life.
The Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy breakdown
The Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, or Pluvicto, was formerly authorized by the FDA in March of 2022 to support patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, as in their condition, they no longer respond to standard treatments such as chemotherapy.
Prostate cancer tumors frequently exhibit elevated levels of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein that increases as cancerous cells increase. To deliver this innovative nuclear treatment, a PSMA PET scan is performed by injecting a radioactive tracer into the patient’s vein, which then binds to PSMA proteins on cancer cells to facilitate targeted therapy.
Also Read: Duale Issues Apology Over Cancer Treatment Crisis at KNH
The treatment aims to minimize harm to healthy tissue near the tumor while enhancing patient survival rates, which are currently at 64.29%, indicating that approximately 35.71% of patients do not survive during their diagnosis and treatment period.
Aga Khan Hospital’s pioneering role in advancing healthcare innovation in Kenya
The Aga Khan Chief Executive Officer, Rashid Khalani, has announced the introduction of Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy at their facility, highlighting a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment in Kenya. This initiative aims to reduce the necessity for patients to seek specialized medical care abroad, reducing the financial and emotional burden of international travel.
Although Pluvicto has received global approval, its availability in Africa remains limited, with access restricted to only a few countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Ghana, leaving many patients in East Africa and the rest of the region without this treatment option.
Medical advancements pioneered at the Aga Khan Hospital
“As a hospital, we are committed to bringing the most advanced treatments to Kenya so that we can significantly improve patient outcomes,” the Aga Khan Chief Executive Officer, Rashid Khalani, emphasized. This commitment is showcased by the hospital’s pioneering achievements, including the installation of a state-of-the-art PET CT Scan and Cyclotron in 2018, a first in East Africa. These advanced diagnostic tools have revolutionized the detection and monitoring of complex conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders, providing accurate imaging to guide effective treatment plans.
Also Read: The Aga Khan Schools Fees, Performance and Locations
This solidifies its leadership in medical innovation. The hospital introduced Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET CT imaging, a specialized technology that enhances the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis and staging.
In 2020 alone, the hospital conducted an impressive 3,000 scans using these advanced imaging technologies, demonstrating its capacity to meet the growing demand for high-quality diagnostic services in Kenya and beyond.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
