The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Cancer Centre has treated over 10,000 patients since its inception in 2019.

A statement made available to The  on Tuesday in celebration of its fifth anniversary said the milestone marks half a decade of delivering world-class cancer care and pioneering advancements in cancer treatment across the continent.

While highlighting its achievements in the past five years, the centre said, “One of NSIA-LUTH achievements is comprehensive patient care. Since its inception in 2019, NLCC has treated over 10,064 patients, delivering 6,733 chemotherapy treatments, 8,528 radiotherapy treatments, and 215 high-dose rate 3D brachytherapy treatments.

“NLCC is the only cancer centre in Nigeria with a dedicated pediatric radiation oncology team, having treated over 200 children.”

It added that the centre introduced 3D intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc therapy for curative cancer treatment in Nigeria. It is also the first to deliver total body electron beam therapy in the country.

“NLCC boasts specialist teams for oral, head, and neck cancers, and is a pioneer in 3D HDR brachytherapy in Nigeria. As a cancer research site, NLCC has several ongoing clinical trials focusing on prostate and breast cancers,” it added.

NSIA-LUTH also reeled out activities planned for the fifth anniversary celebration, saying, “The centre kicked off a week of events to mark the anniversary with the cutting of the anniversary cake today, Tuesday 21st May at the centre.

“Present were, Centre Director, Dr. Lilian Ekpo; Board Chairman, Tolu Adewole; Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Liaison Officer of NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre and doyen of radiation oncology in Nigeria, Prof. Francis Duronsinmi Etti, Chief Clinical Coordinator of NLCC, Dr Muhammed Habeebu; Head of Oncology at NLCC and the first female professor of radiation oncology in Nigeria, Prof. Anthonia Sowunmi and Head of Research Dr. Adedayo Joseph.

“Other events for the anniversary celebrations include a series of webinars anniversary staff on mental health, financial management, diet and healthy living, and cancer prevention, free health checks for staff, an African Day Celebration on Friday 24th May, and a cooking competition for staff.”

Structured under a public-private partnership arrangement between NSIA and LUTH, the project is a $11m investment for the rehabilitation, equipping and operation of an existing cancer centre co-located in LUTH, which will provide advanced radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment services.