Development of nuclear medicine in Africa

Experiences of Nuclear Medicine Technologists Working in PET/CT Facilities in Gauteng Province, South Africa

The introduction of PET/CT requires staff training, redesign of patient workflow, new skills, problem-solving abilities, and adjustments to radiation protection protocols. When PET/CT was introduced in the U.K., nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) encountered challenges in defining their roles and unfamiliarity with the new technology and the new working procedures. Since the introduction of PET/CT in South Africa, the experiences of NMTs with this hybrid imaging device have not yet been described. Therefore, the aim of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of NMTs working in PET/CT facilities in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods: This study had a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design and used a phenomenologic research approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted to collect data until data saturation was reached. A software program was used to manage the codes, categories, and themes. Nine NMTs participated in the study: 5 from public hospitals and 4 from private hospitals. Their age range of 27-58 y provided the ideal heterogeneity for sharing experiences in working in PET/CT facilities. Results: Two overarching themes emerged from the categories: the perspectives of NMTs working in PET/CT facilities and the PET/CT challenges encountered by NMTs. The results suggest that NMTs experience joy and fulfilment from working in PET/CT facilities and regard PET/CT as the future of nuclear medicine. However, NMTs also experience a gap in PET/CT training and are concerned about the high radiation exposure associated with PET/CT imaging and about the lack of psychologic support. Conclusion: Although the NMTs enjoy working in PET/CT, they desire additional clinical training and psychologic support. Since radiation exposure in PET/CT is higher than in general nuclear medicine, radiation monitoring is imperative to minimize exposure to NMTs and patients.

Exploring the State of Cancer Imaging Research in Africa

INTRODUCTION

The growing cancer burden in Africa demands urgent action. Medical imaging is crucial for cancer diagnosis and management and is an essential enabler of precision medicine. To understand the readiness for quantitative imaging analysis to support cancer management in Africa, we analyzed the utilization patterns of imaging modalities for cancer research across the continent.

METHODS

We retrieved articles by systematically searching PubMed, using a combination of search terms {"Neoplasm"} AND {"Radiology" or "Diagnostic imaging" or "Radiography" or "Interventional Radiology" or "Radiotherapy" or "Radiation Oncology"} AND {Africa∗ or 54 African countries}. Articles describing cancer diagnosis or management in humans with the utilization of imaging were included. Exclusion criteria were review articles, non-English articles, publications before 2000, noncancer diagnoses, and studies conducted outside Africa.

RESULTS

The analysis of diagnostic imaging in Africa revealed a diverse utilization pattern across different cancer types and regions. The literature search identified 107 publications on cancer imaging in Africa. The studies were carried out in 19 African countries on 12 different cancer types with 6 imaging modalities identified. Most cancer imaging research studies used multiple imaging modalities. Ultrasound was the most used distinct imaging modality and MRI was the least frequently used. Most research studies originated from Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate substantial variability in the presence of imaging modalities, widespread utilization of ultrasonography, and limited availability of advanced imaging modalities for cancer research.

Synthesis and Bioevaluation of Novel Technetium-99m-Labeled Complexes with Norfloxacin HYNIC Derivatives for Bacterial Infection Imaging

To seek a novel ^99mTc-labeled quinolone derivative for bacterial infection SPECT imaging that aims to lower nontarget organ uptake, a novel norfloxacin 6-hydrazinoicotinamide (HYNIC) derivative (HYNICNF) was designed and synthesized. It was radiolabeled with different coligands, such as tricine, trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3',3″-trisulfonate (TPPTS), sodium triphenylphosphine-3-monosulfonate (TPPMS), and ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (EDDA), to obtain three ^99mTc-labeled norfloxacin HYNIC complexes, namely, [^99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPTS-HYNICNF, [^99mTc]Tc-tricine-TPPMS-HYNICNF, and [^99mTc]Tc-EDDA-HYNICNF. These complexes were purified (RCP > 95%) and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for targeting bacteria. All three complexes are hydrophilic, maintain good stability, and specifically bind Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. The biodistribution in mice with bacterial infection demonstrated that [^99mTc]Tc-EDDA-HYNICNF showed a higher abscess uptake and lower nontarget organ uptake and was able to distinguish bacterial infection and sterile inflammation. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image study in bacterial infection mice showed there was a visible accumulation in the infection site, suggesting that [^99mTc]Tc-EDDA-HYNICNF is a potential radiotracer for bacterial infection imaging.

Radiopharmacy in Africa: current status and future directions

This report is a summary of the first SRS-Africa meeting that was held virtually on the 15th of October 2021, to gain information on the status of radiopharmaceutical sciences in Africa. Registration data included information on participants' qualifications and field of work. An independent survey performed in Africa prior to the meeting elicited details of available staff in different countries, facilities and equipment, radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals used, research undertaken and difficulties experienced. We present here a brief overview of this meeting's topics of discussion, including ongoing research, gaps and challenges, and local opportunities.