Cancer institute rolls out tech to aid diagnosis, treatment

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The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has unveiled a new technology it says is aimed at advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment in the country.

This state-of-the-art facility, known as the PET-Centre, is expected to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment, introducing cutting-edge services that will elevate cancer care standards not only in Uganda but across Africa.

The announcement was made during the launch of the division of Molecular Imaging and Therapy at the institute premises in Kampala city yesterday. According to UCI, the division to be implemented in two phases is focused at equipping the radiotherapy bunkers and enhancing nuclear medicine capabilities.

UCI executive director, Dr Jackson Orem, on March 17, 2025, said the sh350b project will play a critical role in providing more accurate diagnostics and advanced cancer treatment options.

He is optimistic that this innovation will counter the increasing cancer burden.

SPECT-CT, according to UCI, is a hybrid imaging technique that combines the strengths of both SPECT and CT scans. THE SPECT Scan: Uses a radioactive tracer (radiopharmaceutical) that is injected into the body. The tracer is taken up by specific areas of the body, depending on the type of scan. A gamma camera rotates around the body to detect the radioactive substance and create images.