Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has marked a major milestone by successfully conducting its first Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) procedure, using the advanced Varian TrueBeam platform. The groundbreaking treatment was carried out on a 51-year-old female patient, identified as MW, who was battling brain metastases from breast cancer.
According to MTRH, the patient has shown remarkable improvement following the five-session procedure. SRS is a non-invasive, high-precision radiation therapy designed to treat brain and spinal abnormalities, including cancer, epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous malformations.
Dr. Jesse Opakas, Director of Hemato-Oncology at MTRH, explained that SRS uses concentrated radiation beams to target small, well-defined areas in the brain with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues. “It’s an effective alternative to traditional surgery for hard-to-reach or inoperable tumors,” he noted.
The TrueBeam system used for the procedure is praised for its speed, accuracy, and ability to complete treatments within 5 to 10 minutes per session. Other technologies capable of delivering SRS include Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and charged particle accelerators.
Dr. Opakas highlighted that SRS can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from benign and malignant brain tumors to vascular and functional neurological disorders.
MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa hailed the procedure as a transformative step for the hospital and the region. “This is an impactful investment that will touch many lives. SRS is revolutionizing oncology and neurosurgical care,” he said, thanking the Government of Kenya, Ministry of Health, and the hospital’s Board and staff for their support.
The new SRS capability complements MTRH’s existing radiotherapy options such as Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Brachytherapy, 3D conformal radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Importantly, MTRH confirmed that SRS procedures are covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), making this advanced treatment accessible to more patients across Kenya.
Written By Rodney Mbua
