The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), the leading international nuclear medicine congress, has bestowed one of its highest honours upon Professor Mike Sathekge, the Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

The 2023 Presidential Distinguished Award was presented to Prof Sathekge on 26 June 2023 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of nuclear medicine, his cutting-edge research in theragnostics, and his unwavering dedication to providing quality patient care.

The prestigious award shines a spotlight on Prof Sathekge’s pioneering efforts in advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. His groundbreaking research in theragnostics – the combination of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches – has revolutionised cancer treatment, particularly in prostate cancer management. By challenging conventional care norms and introducing novel radiopharmaceutical theragnostics, Prof Sathekge has transformed the way cancer is approached and treated.    

The presentation of the 2023 Presidential Distinguished Award at the SNMMI Annual Meeting was met with emotions of humility and gratitude from Prof Sathekge. The recognition of his international leadership by his esteemed peers serves as a testament to the transformative impact of his work in nuclear medicine. “I feel humbled and emotional as my global peers value me as an international leader,” he said.

Heading the South African Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Prof Sathekge has facilitated the translation of research, development and innovation into tangible benefits for patients and communities. His work on targeted alpha therapy for cancer care has led to groundbreaking advancements, including some of the first in-man studies, further cementing his position as a global leader.

In addition to his outstanding research contributions, Prof Sathekge’s leadership in the field has been instrumental in promoting accessibility, availability and affordability of radiopharmaceutical theragnostics globally. As president of the World Association of Radiopharmaceutical and Molecular Therapy (WARMTH), he has played a crucial role in advocating for the appropriate use of these advanced medical technologies.

International partnerships and groundbreaking projects

During his remarkable journey in nuclear medicine, Prof Sathekge encountered various challenges, including limited funding, restricted resources and negative stereotypes. He emphasised breaking the barrier of viewing Africa solely as a place for data collection. “I have had to break the barrier of seeing Africa as a place for data collection. We as Africa should be involved in innovation and production, and that includes leading in some of the projects,” he said.

However, his perseverance and determination enabled him to surmount these hurdles. Prof Sathekge’s belief in Africa’s potential for innovation and production and his vision for the continent to lead in groundbreaking projects have been instrumental in shaping the field of nuclear medicine.  

Prof Sathekge’s research and initiatives in nuclear medicine have been further supported by notable collaborations and partnerships with renowned international institutions. Among these first-line partners are the Joint Research Centre in Karlsruhe, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Ghent University, University Medical Center Groningen, Rambam Health Care Center, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, University teaching hospital in Zambia, Dusseldorf University, Stanford University, Melbourne University and Essen University. The collaborations have enhanced the impact and global research of his work.

The SNMMI, as a leading global organisation in the field of nuclear medicine, has been at the forefront of advancing science and practice in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. Its annual meeting serves as a premier platform for professionals to stay abreast of the latest research, development, and practical applications in the field.

Prof Sathekge’s achievements are set to significantly impact the future of nuclear medicine and patient care. “Through research in targeted alpha therapy, the goal is to improve the quality of life and extended life expectancy for cancer sufferers, tuberculosis patients and HIV/AIDS patients,” he said.

His contributions extend beyond patient care as he also focuses on nurturing the next generation of professionals by training postgraduates, PHDs and postdocs. Additionally, his work involves the generation of new radiopharmaceuticals that address national priority diseases, fostering advancement in medical treatments.

Love, respect and collaboration

Furthermore, Prof Sathekge's leadership has extended to the African continent, where he introduced several targeted molecular imaging and therapeutic probes in oncology, significantly improving cancer diagnosis and management across the region.

In addition to cancer care, Prof Sathekge's work has had a profound impact on the management of tuberculosis. He was among the pioneers in using PET/CT for TB, leading to transformative changes in clinical practice and a better understanding of the disease.

Prof Sathekge's accomplishments have not only improved the quality of life and life expectancy for cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS patients, but they have also paved the way for training postgraduates and the development of new radiopharmaceuticals that address national priority diseases.

Prof Sathekge intends to leverage the recognition received from the 2023 Presidential Distinguished Award to further his work in nuclear medicine. Inspired by the words of anti-apartheid activist Onkgopotse Tiro: “Of what use will be your education if you can’t help your country in her hour of need? If your education is not linked with the entire continent of Africa, it is meaningless.” – he aspires to attract both local and foreign direct investments. By securing additional funding, Prof Sathekge aims to provide more opportunities to young talented scholars, allowing them to explore and develop new technology in the field.

To aspiring professionals in the field of nuclear medicine, Prof Sathekge shares his guiding principles with heartfelt inspiration. He advocates for unity and interconnectedness, emphasising “Motho ke motho ka batho – We are because of others.” He also encourages “lifting others as you rise”, as was the late Professor Bongani Mayosi’s vision. Balancing hard work and dedication with family, colleagues, mentees and friends is crucial for sustainable innovation. “Work hard and play straight,” he says. Ultimately, Prof Sathekge’s belief in love, respect and collaboration to address challenges and fix problems finds expression in the words of academic, author and anti-apartheid activist Mosibudi Mangena – “We can fix it if we love and respect each other.”