Kenya’s New Multi-Million Dollar Cancer Treatment Machine – What You Should Know About CyberKnife Treatment

Prof. Olive Mugenda, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital, has confirmed the acquisition of a CyberKnife machine – used in the treatment of various Cancers.

She alongside other top officials made a trip to the US to inspect the equipment. According to Mugenda, it will be the second such machine in Africa – the other one being in Egypt. The acquisition has attracted a lot of attention on social media, including from beyond Kenya’s borders.

But what exactly does the machine do? How much does it cost? How much does Cyberknife treatment cost for patients? Business Today answers these questions and more.

What is the CyberKnife?

The CyberKnife was invented by Stanford neurosurgeons. It is considered as one of the most advanced forms of radiosurgery. It presents a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery.

It is used to provide radiation therapy treatment for a wide range of Cancers including Brain Cancer, Lung Cancer, Liver Cancer, Spinal Cancer and Prostrate Cancer.

The CyberKnife uses a robotic arm to deliver highly focused beams of radiation to destroy tumors within the body. Before delivering the radiation beam, the CyberKnife verifies the exact tumor position then adjusts the robot to precisely target the tumor.

How much does the CyberKnife Cost?

According to a New York Times report, the machine goes for between $3 million (Ksh353 million) and $5 million (Ksh589 million).

How much does CyberKnife treatment cost?

The cost of Cyberknife treatment varies from country to country. Many patients travel to different countries to access the treatment.

Importantly, the cost is also determined by the severity of the tumor and how many sessions the patient might need.

Average costs compiled by Flymedi range from as high as $100,000 (Ksh11.7 million) in the US to €10,000 (Ksh1.23 million)-€15,000 (Ksh1.8 million) in Turkey  €7,000(Ksh861,394)-€10,000 (Ksh1.23 million) in India, €20,000(Ksh2.46 million)-€30,000 (Ksh3.6 million) in the UK and €8,000 (Ksh984,461)-€20,000 (Ksh2.46 million) in Poland.

READ NEXT>>Sportpesa Axed as Govt Renews Only 3 Betting Licenses