By Emmanuel Chidi-maha
The NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC) in Idi-Araba has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing service delivery, offering accessible and affordable cancer care in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2019, NLCC has emerged as a leading institution in cancer treatment across West Africa, significantly reshaping the landscape of oncology in the region. Over the past five years, NLCC has been a vital resource for thousands of patients, setting new benchmarks in cancer care and research.
At the core of NLCC’s mission lies its comprehensive patient care approach. In just half a decade, the centre has provided treatment for over 12,000 patients, administering 6,733 chemotherapy sessions, 8,528 radiotherapy treatments, and 215 high-dose rate 3D brachytherapy treatments. These statistics underscore NLCC’s dedication to making advanced cancer treatments locally available, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
A particularly notable achievement of the NLCC is its dedicated pediatric radiation oncology team, the only one of its kind in Nigeria. This team has treated over 200 children, providing specialised care that addresses the distinct needs of younger patients. This focus on pediatric oncology ensures that even the youngest cancer patients receive the highest standard of care, underscoring the centre’s holistic approach to cancer treatment. “Innovation has been a cornerstone of the NLCC’s operations. The centre has introduced pioneering treatments such as 3D intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) to Nigeria. These advanced techniques have significantly improved the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments, leading to better patient outcomes. Furthermore, the NLCC is the first facility in the country to offer total body electron beam therapy, an essential treatment for certain types of cancer.
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“The NLCC’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment extends beyond clinical care to include robust research initiatives. As a hub for cancer research, the centre is currently conducting several clinical trials focused on prostate and breast cancers. These research efforts not only contribute to global cancer knowledge but also ensure that the NLCC remains at the forefront of treatment innovations, continually improving patient outcomes.”
To mark these achievements and reflect on its journey in the last five years, the NLCC organised a week of celebrations for its 5th anniversary. The festivities began with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by key figures such as Dr. Lilian Ekpo, the Centre Director; Tolu Adewole, Board Chairman and MD of Medserve; Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of LUTH; Prof. Francis Duronsinmi Etti, the Chief Liaison Officer of NLCC; Dr. Muhammed Habeebu, Chief Clinical Coordinator; Prof. Anthonia Sowunmi, Head of Oncology; and Dr. Adedayo Joseph, Head of Research. This event was a moment of pride and reflection, recognizing the collective effort that has driven the centre’s success. Throughout the anniversary week, the NLCC hosted a series of webinars for its staff, covering topics such as mental health, financial management, diet and healthy living, and cancer prevention. These sessions aimed to promote the well-being and professional development of the centre’s staff, ensuring they are properly equipped to continue delivering high-quality care. Additionally, free health checks were offered to staff members, fostering a culture of health and wellness within the organisation.
Reflecting on the NLCC’s journey, Prof. Adeyemo, CMD of LUTH, highlighted the transformative impact the centre has had since its inception. He recalled the early days when the centre started with just a few patients and expressed pride in its growth into the best-equipped cancer treatment facility in West Africa. Prof. Adeyemo emphasised that the NLCC’s success is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and the right support model. He also announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, impressed by the NLCC’s achievements, has included plans for more cancer centres in the national budget. The government aims to replicate the NLCC’s model across Nigeria, ensuring that advanced cancer care is accessible to more people. The LUTH boss stressed the need for further expansion, particularly in the nuclear medicine centre, to provide even more comprehensive cancer management. He expressed optimism about the future, envisioning a time when all Nigerians can access the highest standard of cancer care within their own country.
Prof. Abayomi Durosimi-Etti, the Chief Clinical Oncologist, expressed his gratitude for the centre’s accomplishments while also acknowledging the challenges that remain. He noted the escalating costs of treatment and the financial burden it places on patients. To address this, the NLCC has implemented an indigent patient scheme to assist those who cannot afford treatment. Prof. Durosimi-Etti also stressed the importance of early diagnosis, which allows for curative treatment. He urged the public to seek medical attention early to improve their chances of survival.
Dr. Lilian Ekpo, NLCC Director, praised the integrated programme with the pediatric oncology department. She expressed her joy over the centre’s success in treating thousands of patients, noting that the high number of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments administered speaks volumes about the expertise and resources available at the NLCC. Dr. Ekpo emphasised that the centre’s achievements are a collective effort, made possible by the dedication and hard-work of the entire team.
