Nairobi West Hospital Hosts Pioneering Nuclear Medicine Symposium

The Nairobi West Hospital has hosted the Symposium on Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging at the Mövenpick Hotel in Westlands.

Themed “Molecular Frontiers: The Convergence of Imaging, Therapy, and AI,” the event attracted global experts and innovators in oncology, radiology, and medical imaging to explore the latest technologies transforming healthcare.

Organized in collaboration with United Imaging and Longevous Beamtech, the symposium featured expert-led sessions on artificial intelligence in PET/CT scans, radiation safety, and cutting-edge applications in cardiology and cancer care.

Dr. Kibet Shikuku, Deputy Medical Director at The Nairobi West Hospital, praised the forum as a milestone moment.

“This symposium marks a powerful intersection of clinical expertise, scientific research, and international partnership. Our vision is to see Kenya emerge not only as a center of excellence but also as a producer and innovator in the field of nuclear medicine,” he said.

A standout moment came during a presentation by Dr. Yang Du, Technical Director at Longevous Beamtech, who emphasized the importance of building local isotope production capacity through cyclotron technology.

He said local production of radiopharmaceuticals like Cytoclon is vital to reducing delays in cancer diagnosis caused by reliance on imported isotopes.

“Cyclotron technology can transform the region’s ability to access timely cancer imaging and therapy,” Dr. Du noted, aligning with government calls to strengthen medical infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, who delivered the keynote address, affirmed government support for such initiatives.

“Innovations like AI-powered imaging and localized isotope production are essential to the success of our universal healthcare coverage and cancer control goals,” he stated.

The symposium also highlighted the growing role of PSMA-PET/CT imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

Dr. Solomon Mutua, Head of Oncology at Nairobi West, said the technology offers higher precision in identifying cancer spread compared to traditional scans.

“It has revolutionized diagnostics. Patients receive faster, more targeted treatment, improving survival outcomes,” he said.

The event concluded with panel discussions and an engaging Q&A session, setting the stage for pilot projects in isotope production and enhanced collaboration in the nuclear medicine field.