"We’re privileged to have very progressive and forward-thinking CEO and provincial authorities who see the value of investing in state of the art equipment, which enables us to deliver the same quality of care found in hospitals in Europe and the US," says professor Hannah Simonds, head of radiation oncology at Tygerberg and associate professor at Stellenbosch University.
"The Tygerberg radiation oncology division currently treats around 2500 patients a year, with an increase of around 300 year on year. As patient cancer awareness improves and the population life expectancy increases due to improved management of other conditions, we expect to see oncology patient numbers increasing. So we have to be prepared," says Simonds.
South African oncology is characterised by a larger number of patients in the advanced stages of cancer, as well as a larger number of patients suffering from other conditions – such as HIV and TB – than in much of the rest of the world. The division of radiation oncology at the Stellenbosch University and the Tygerberg Hospital is a national and international leader in cancer treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and is internationally recognised for its excellence in clinical treatments, education and research. Its treatments include Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Four Dimensional Computed Tomography (4D CT) and Four Dimensional Positron Emmision Tomography-Computerised Tomography (4D PET-CT), Linear Accelerators for external beam radiotherapy and radioisotopes in brachytherapy as well neutrons and protons in collaboration with I-Themba labs to treat those cancers that cannot successfully be treated with photons and electrons.
The unit is equipped with four Digital Linear Accelerators and the MOSAIQ oncology information system, all from Swedish firm Elekta, a leading manufacturer of specialist oncology radiotherapy and radiosurgery equipment. The most recent acquisitions, the latest Elekta Synergy Digital Linear Accelerator and the MOSAIQ oncology information system, were installed just over a year ago.
As one of only two state units furnished with advanced oncology radiotherapy equipment to serve around four million people in the Western Cape, Tygerberg Hospital’s radiation oncology unit seeks to deliver the most effective treatment possible, using the most effective tools available. "Many under-resourced hospitals in Africa still have to rely on cobalt gamma ray systems, with the associated risk of causing complications. However, our Elekta Digital Linear Accelerators allow us to limit the radiation exposure of normal tissue and so reduce side effects. We also have a very high- tech imaging system for the best quality assurance," she says.
The installation of the new electronic patient data management systems will enhance auditing of the division’s patient numbers, treatment and outcomes, says Simonds. "The end of 2015 will be the end of the first full clinical year using this data management system. It will support outcomes projects looking at factors such as toxicity and survival rates."
Martin Noordman, service partner manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Elekta South Africa, notes that the access to world-class advanced Digital Linear Accelerators benefits more than just Tygerberg’s patients. "As part of a renowned academic institution, the division trains health professionals from across the country and even from across the continent. So the benefits extend beyond immediate patient treatment to training in advanced techniques, which has a long term impact on oncology treatment," he says.
For more information, visit the Stellenbosch University division of radiation oncology website.