PhD Graduate Wants to Revolutionise Breast Cancer Diagnostics

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‘I am passionate about training future nuclear physicians and expanding nuclear medicine accessibility throughout KwaZulu-Natal. There’s a need for equitable healthcare, and I want to be part of that change,’ says Dr Bawinile Pearl-Gene Hadebe, who read for a PhD at UKZN.

Her research sought to revolutionise breast cancer diagnostics with her research focusing on the role of CXCR4-targeted PET imaging using 68Ga-Pentixafor and its ability to complement conventional 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. 

Hadebe’s academic and professional journey is a testament to passion, perseverance and a deep commitment to advancing nuclear Medicine. 

Growing up in Hlokozi near Ixopo in the south of KwaZulu-Natal, she attended St. Francis College in Mariannhill, a school known for its strong academic tradition. It was here that her curiosity and drive for excellence took root, setting her on a path towards a career in Medicine. 

Hadebe’s interest in nuclear medicine was ignited during her internship at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. While consulting with different Medical teams, she found herself particularly drawn to the Nuclear Medicine Department. ‘They were kind, passionate, and always willing to scan patients the same day or the very next day,’ she said. ‘Their diligence and eagerness to share their expertise stood out with me,’ she recalls. It was here that she met Dr Sonto Mkhize, a consultant who took the time to introduce her to the field. Inspired by this exposure, she knew she had found her calling. 

Her community service year at Mmametlake Hospital in Mpumalanga further solidified her aspirations. When she shared her dream of specialising in nuclear medicine, she was encouraged to train at Medunsa, then Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University - under the leadership of esteemed nuclear medicine experts. She had the privilege of being coached by Professor Trevor Mdaka, Dr Ouma Ramafi and Dr Aadil Gutta - mentors whose dedication and guidance motivated her to push the boundaries of the discipline. 

Under the supervision of Head of Nuclear Medicine at UKZN Professor Mariza Vorster, Professor Mike Sathekge, and Professor Colleen Aldous, Hadebe pursued a PhD that sought to revolutionise breast cancer diagnostics. Her study focused on the role of CXCR4-targeted PET imaging using 68Ga-Pentixafor and its ability to complement conventional 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. 

Her research uncovered key insights which could have significant implications in selecting patients for CXCR4-targeted therapies, particularly in aggressive breast cancer cases: 

- 68Ga-Pentixafor had a high detection rate (96%) but did not replace 18F-FDG PET/CT as the primary imaging modality.
- It played a complementary role by identifying lesions in areas where 18F-FDG was limited, such as the brain and skull.
- Higher uptake of 68Ga-Pentixafor was observed in patients with triple-negative breast cancer and those co-infected with HIV, highlighting its prognostic value. 

Hadebe, who serves as the Head of the Clinical Unit for Nuclear Medicine at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, has produced work that contributes to a growing body of research advocating for personalised cancer care and targeted radionuclide therapies, paving the way for more effective treatment strategies. 

She is passionate about ensuring that the next generation of nuclear medicine specialists is well-trained to expand access to these critical services beyond eThekwini. 

Despite her demanding career, Hadebe finds immense joy in family life. Her two sons, Sakhile (7) and Nkanyezi (9), are her greatest source of happiness. ‘Spending time with them is my greatest job and hobby,’ she says. 

Beyond Medicine, she believes in living her life filled with purpose, curiosity and meaningful contributions to society. Her journey from a young girl in Hlokozi to a pioneering nuclear medicine specialist proves that with dedication and vision, anything is possible. Dr Hadebe dedicates this success to the memory of her father, Mr Fidelius Thulebona Hadebe, who made immense sacrifices so that she and her four siblings could have a better future. 

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini