Proton Therapy Initiative paves the way for cutting-edge cancer treatment

The University of Cape Town (UCT) officially launched the UCT Proton Therapy Initiative at an event held at the Neuroscience Institute Auditorium at Groote Schuur Hospital on 29 January.

The initiative marks a significant step forward in cancer treatment for South Africa and the broader African continent, positioning Cape Town as a future hub for advanced radiotherapy technology. The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from, among others, the medical, scientific, and governmental sectors.

Proton therapy is a highly advanced form of radiation therapy that uses a beam of energetic protons to precisely target tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This approach is particularly effective for paediatric cancer patients, significantly reducing long-term side effects and the risk of secondary malignancies.

The programme director for the evening’s proceedings was Professor Graham Fieggen, the director of the Neuroscience Institute and head of the Division of Neurosurgery. He said that it was “an incredibly audacious initiative to launch a proton therapy centre in South Africa”.

“If you have an idea, you’re not an entrepreneur. If you go and you test the idea, then you’re an entrepreneur.”
“It’s not a commitment we are making only to UCT or to the Western Cape; it’s also a commitment we are making to the country and to the continent.”

Speaking at the launch event, UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela emphasised that the transformative potential of the initiative aligns with UCT’s commitment to scientific excellence and healthcare innovation. A proton therapy centre in Cape Town will not only provide world-class treatment for children with cancer but also contribute to ground-breaking research in radiation oncology. “It’s not a commitment we are making only to UCT or to the Western Cape; it’s also a commitment we are making to the country and to the continent,” Professor Moshabela said.

Currently, all 136 operational proton therapy centres worldwide are located in the northern hemisphere, with only two under construction in the southern hemisphere; in Argentina, and Australia. The planned centre in Cape Town will be the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa and will serve as a vital resource for both treatment and research on the continent.

Multidisciplinary collaboration and research excellence

The initiative is a multidisciplinary effort, bringing together leading experts in oncology, physics, and medical research. The project executive team is chaired by Professor Andy Buffler, the director of the Metrological and Applied Sciences Research Unit in the Department of Physics at UCT.

“The biggest pandemic facing the African continent and the developing world are non-communicable diseases – and cancer is a leader.”

During a panel discussion, Professor Buffler highlighted the initiative’s broad scope. Beyond cancer treatment, this centre will facilitate pioneering research in nuclear medicine, neuroscience, radiation metrology, and radiobiology. It will also play a crucial role in producing short-lived radioisotopes for medical use.

Another panellist, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, the vice-chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, mentioned that this project was long overdue. He said, “The biggest pandemic facing the African continent and the developing world are non-communicable diseases – and cancer is a leader.”

Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, the president of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), added, “There is an urgent need to drive scholarship that will allow us to be able to respond appropriately and drive improved outcomes in the detection of childhood cancer in our part of the world.”

Cancer rates in Africa are rising faster than in any other region, and access to advanced treatment options remains limited. Professor Jeannette Parkes, who chaired a panel discussion on cancer in Africa, underscored the urgency of developing new treatment infrastructure. She said, “Ninety percent of the world’s children live in lower- and middle-income countries. In addition, half of the population of our continent are children.” Africa’s young population is disproportionately affected by paediatric cancers. Establishing a proton therapy centre in Cape Town will be a game-changer, providing access to state-of-the-art treatment that is currently only available abroad.

Panellists at the launch event included international experts such as Dr Thomas Merchant, the chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Professor Anthony Figaji, the head of Paediatric Neurosurgery at UCT; and Professor Alan Davidson, the head of the Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology at UCT. They discussed the importance of improving local treatment options to reduce the need for patients to travel overseas for care.

Building the Proton Therapy Centre

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the SAMRC expressed their support for the initiative. Dr Angus Paterson, the deputy CEO of National Infrastructure Platforms at the NRF, highlighted the broader impact. He pointed out that beyond its immediate clinical benefits, this centre will be a catalyst for technological innovation and skills development in South Africa.

“Globally, low- and medium-income countries, like South Africa, account for 90% of the world’s childhood cancer cases but we have less than 5% of the global resources for paediatric oncology.”

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger formally launched the initiative, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to supporting innovative healthcare solutions. “This milestone shines as a beacon of hope, innovation and determination; and it’s also a beautiful reflection of the strides we are making in advancing patient-centred care right here in the Western Cape, in South Africa, and in the region,” she said. “Proton therapy is a ground-breaking advancement in the treatment of cancerous and some non-cancerous tumours. Globally, low- and medium-income countries, like South Africa, account for 90% of the world’s childhood cancer cases but we have less than 5% of the global resources for paediatric oncology.”

Professor Lionel Green-Thompson, the dean of UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences, ended proceedings by proposing a vote of thanks. He stated, “We are stewards of a national dream. We are custodians of a national vision to build a better world.”

The next phase of the project involves finalising the technical specifications and securing additional funding for the construction of the proton therapy centre. UCT is actively engaging with potential funders and partners to ensure the centre’s long-term sustainability.