CyberKnife Cancer Machine Launched At KUTRRH

On Monday, Kenyan President William Ruto opened a new cancer centre at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) that uses a CyberKnife machine to treat patients.

The CyberKnife is a highly developed type of radiosurgery technique that administers high doses of accurately targeted radiation to eradicate tumours or lesions located near vital body parts such as the brain, spinal cord, or other tissues using a robotic arm. The treatment method is painless.

Other advantages of CyberKnife for patients include rapid relief from pain and side effects, as well as comfort during the procedure. KUTRRH Board Chairperson, Olive Mugenda, stated that the Kenyan government bought the device for $4.98 million.

The installation of the CyberKnife system at KUTRRH makes Kenya the second country in Africa after Egypt to use this technology in cancer treatment. This development is a great relief to Kenyans who have been travelling to India to seek treatment at exorbitant costs.

A session of CyberKnife at KUTRRH costs approximately $2,580, which is lower than the cost in India, which is $14,743. The treatment requires three to five sessions with minimal risks or damage to tissues.