Transforming breast cancer treatment: University of Pretoria professor awarded R3 million grant

A University of Pretoria professor has secured a significant R3 million research grant aimed at revolutionizing the detection and treatment of aggressive breast cancer. This funding, awarded through the Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship from the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT), marks a pivotal moment in advancing precision medicine in South Africa. The initiative, led by Professor Mike Sathekge, seeks to combine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches using a cutting-edge technique known as theranostics. This method promises to enhance early detection, personalize treatment strategies, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Breast cancer remains the leading form of cancer among women both in South Africa and worldwide. However, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, complicating treatment and diminishing survival prospects. According to a recent publication in the South African Medical Journal, approximately 67% of breast cancer patients receiving care within the public healthcare system are identified at a late stage, when the disease has already metastasized. Researchers warn that this trend is likely to worsen due to factors such as population growth, aging demographics, and evolving disease patterns. Professor Sathekge, who heads the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria and the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, is focusing on a protein called Trop2, which is prevalent in aggressive forms of breast cancer and other malignancies. His team is collaborating with institutions in Belgium and Germany to engineer nanobodies—tiny antibody fragments capable of identifying Trop2-positive cancer cells. These nanobodies can deliver targeted radiation directly to affected cells, potentially offering a more effective and less invasive treatment option. The research aims to provide a clearer understanding of each patient’s unique cancer profile, enabling more intelligent selection of treatments and reducing the uncertainty that arises when conventional therapies fail. By integrating early diagnosis with personalized treatment plans, Sathekge hopes to significantly improve prognoses for patients suffering from aggressive breast cancer. The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, one of South Africa’s most esteemed research grants, was given to Sathekge following a rigorous evaluation process involving 80 proposals. The OMT chairperson, Rebecca Oppenheimer, acknowledged the difficulty of selecting a winner due to the high quality of all submissions but emphasized the transformative potential of Sathekge’s work. She stated that his research holds the promise of a substantial improvement in health outcomes and the enhancement of human dignity for South African patients. University of Pretoria Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen highlighted the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by aggressive breast cancer. He noted that current methods of detection and treatment are insufficient, particularly in cases where patients present at later stages. The university’s involvement underscores the increasing role of African scientists in driving global medical innovation and tackling critical health issues. As the project progresses, the anticipated outcomes include the development of more accurate diagnostic tools and targeted therapies tailored to individual patients. If successful, these advancements could lead to broader clinical applications, potentially transforming how breast cancer is managed in South Africa and beyond. The collaboration between local and international researchers signals a commitment to leveraging scientific expertise to address pressing health concerns, ensuring that innovations in precision medicine reach those who need them most.