MTRH Rolls Out Brachytherapy Treatment for Cancer

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has attained yet another milestone--the roll-out of brachytherapy treatment for cancer patients.

Brachytherapy therapy adds to the available treatment options at MTRH.

Brachytherapy, also known as intracavitary radiation, is a form of radiotherapy treatment where the source of radiation is placed on the diseased area.

MTRH Director of Hematology-Oncology, Dr. Jesse Opakas, led the successful treatment of the first patient, a 57-year-old woman with stage 3B cervical cancer, on 12th May, 2021.

The treatment, which involved two doses of iridium-192 source from Elekta, was covered by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) at Ksh. 40,000 ($370 USD).

MTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Wilson K. Aruasa, EBS, said the therapy adds to the range of treatment available for patients seeking oncology services at Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Diseases Centre (CCCDC). CCCDC also offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy services. The Radiotherapy machine was procured and installed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), through the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The other form of cancer radiotherapy is external beam, using linear accelerator (linac) radiotherapy machine. These services commenced in January 2021 for the leading cancers such as breast and cervical, among others.

Dr. Aruasa termed the move a great achievement in treatment and management of cancer patients. He stated that brachytherapy treatment minimizes effects of radiotherapy on patients.

The CEO also appreciated the support extended to the hospital by MoH in enabling the hospital to reach this stage in cancer treatment and management as well edging closer towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)-one of Kenya’s President Big Four Agenda.