Graves’ Disease Researcher Receives Nuclear Medicine Master’s Degree

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Research into advanced treatment of Graves’ disease - an immune system condition that affects the thyroid gland - rewarded Dr Sphelele Masikane with his master’s degree in Nuclear Medicine. 

Masikane’s dissertation: “Efficacy of a Fixed Low Dose of Radioactive Iodine in the Treatment of Graves’ Disease in an Iodine Deficiency Endemic Area in Sub-Saharan Africa”, was supervised by the international award-winning Head of Nuclear Medicine at UKZN, Professor Mariza Vorster. 

Masikane began his Medical journey at the University of the Western Cape, where he was awarded a BSc in Biomedical Sciences, majoring in Immunology and Medical Microbiology. He pursued his passion for clinical medicine at the University of Pretoria, graduating with an MBChB degree, and took up an academic exchange opportunity at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, exploring Technology in Medicine - a pivotal experience that ignited his interest in Nuclear Medicine. 

He joined UKZN’s Nuclear Medicine Registrar programme and is today a qualified Nuclear Medicine physician, combining his expertise in cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to advance patient care. He is currently a consultant at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, supporting Addington Hospital as well. 

Masikane has profound interest in imaging quantification and firmly believes it will serve as a cornerstone for advancements in medical imaging. ‘The precision and objectivity offered by quantitative imaging are unparalleled, enabling more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatment planning and enhanced monitoring of therapeutic responses. This belief has deepened my fascination with the critical role of nuclear medicine in drug and vaccine development,’ he said. 

Masikane explained that nuclear medicine techniques provided unique insights into biological processes at the molecular level, empowering researchers to evaluate the efficacy, safety and biodistribution of novel therapeutics with exceptional precision. ‘By visualising how drugs and vaccines interact in vivo, these methods illuminate mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and potential side effects,’ he said. ‘This not only accelerates the development pipeline but also improves the likelihood of successful clinical outcomes, solidifying nuclear medicine as an indispensable tool in modern pharmaceutical innovation.’ 

Guided by this conviction, Masikane said he intends to pursue a PhD to further explore the intersection of quantitative imaging and nuclear medicine, with a focus on advancing translational research in this transformative field. 

‘I am of course very proud of Dr Masikane and look forward to having him as a PhD student soon! He is doing great work,’ said Vorster.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini