3 Million Rand Research Award for South African Nuclear Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Mike Sathekge

Prof. Dr. Mike Sathekge, Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital in South Africa, has won the 3 million Rand 2026 Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award presented by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust for his theranostics research targeting breast cancer treatment.

Theranostic Approach and Trop2 Target in Breast Cancer

The research conducted under the award focuses on a protein called Trop2, which is found in high proportions in aggressive breast cancer types. Through the theranostic approach, which combines diagnosis and therapy, the presence of Trop2 in the body will be imaged and mapped on PET/CT scans using Fluorine-18 labeled nanoscale molecules.

Once the distribution of the disease in the body is mapped, the aim is to deliver direct alpha particle radiation to cancerous cells using the Actinium-225 isotope. This aims to directly target tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues.

Nomination Process and Multidisciplinary Achievement

Selected from among 80 different academic nominations evaluated by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, the work combines clinical and laboratory processes into a single program. The award ceremony took place in July 2026, where trust chair Rebecca Oppenheimer presented the award to Sathekge.

The project will also enable the training of new specialists and postgraduate students in fields such as radiochemistry, medical physics, and molecular imaging.