RFH Healthcare, headquartered in Ruai, Kenya, has achieved a significant milestone by introducing Lutetium-177 therapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment, becoming the first hospital in East and Central Africa to offer this life-saving innovation.
A Revolutionary Approach to Cancer Care
Lutetium-177 therapy uses a targeted radioactive substance to attack and destroy cancer cells, offering a highly precise treatment option for patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors and metastatic prostate cancer. Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, which can affect the entire body, this therapy focuses on cancer cells, minimizing side effects.
Administered intravenously, Lutetium therapy travels through the bloodstream, targeting and damaging cancer cells from within. This innovative approach is a game-changer for patients who previously needed to travel abroad to access similar treatments.
RFH’s Commitment to Transforming Cancer Care
“Our mission is to ensure that patients across Africa have access to world-class healthcare without leaving the continent,” stated Dr. Maxwel Okoth, Managing Director of RFH Healthcare. “With Lutetium-177 therapy now available locally, we’re not just saving lives—we’re redefining cancer treatment in Africa.”
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology
RFH Healthcare’s Cancer Treatment Centre in Ruai is equipped with advanced medical technology, including PET-CT and SPECT-CT scanners. These machines are critical in diagnosing and managing cancer, as well as cardiac and brain conditions.
According to Andre Lourens, a Molecular Imaging Application Specialist from GE Healthcare Africa, these scanners enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostics. “Each machine can serve up to 15 patients daily, ensuring timely and precise care,” Lourens explained.
Bringing World-Class Diagnostics Closer to Home
Before RFH’s introduction of this technology, patients had to endure the high costs and logistical challenges of seeking treatment abroad. Maxwell Songa, Nuclear Medical Physicist at RFH, highlighted the transformative impact of these advancements.
“Patients can now access PET-CT and SPECT-CT scans locally, reducing waiting times to just a week. This technology enables us to perform diagnosis, staging, restaging, and monitoring with unmatched precision,” Songa said.
RFH also offers Kenya’s first targeted therapy for prostate cancer patients using advanced imaging technology, providing a modern alternative to conventional linear accelerator treatments.
A Patient-Centered Experience
RFH prioritizes patient comfort and efficiency. Isaac Munyao, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, explained the streamlined scanning process. “A PET-CT scan takes only about 25-27 minutes, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience while delivering critical insights into the patient’s condition,” he said.
A Brighter Future for Cancer Treatment in Africa
With 11 branches across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos counties, RFH Healthcare continues to expand its reach, ensuring more patients can benefit from groundbreaking treatments and technology. The introduction of Lutetium-177 therapy marks a pivotal step toward establishing Africa as a hub for world-class medical care.
