J. Hoffman

The reported incidence of neoplasia in the extinct human lineage is rare, with only a few confirmed cases of Middle or Later Pleistocene dates reported. It has generally been assumed that pre-modern incidence of neoplastic disease of any kind is rare and limited to benign conditions, but new fossil evidence suggests otherwise. We here present the earliest identifiable case of malignant neoplastic disease from an early human ancestor dated to 1.8–1.6 million years old. The diagnosis has been made possible only by advances in 3D imaging methods as diagnostic aids. We present a case report based on re-analysis of a hominin metatarsal specimen (SK 7923) from the cave site of Swartkrans in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. The expression of malignant osteosarcoma in the Swartkrans specimen indicates that whilst the upsurge in malignancy incidence is correlated with modern lifestyles, there is no reason to suspect that primary bone tumours would have been any less frequent in ancient specimens. Such tumours are not related to lifestyle and often occur in younger individuals. As such, malignancy has a considerable antiquity in the fossil record, as evidenced by this specimen.

The South African National Centre for Radiography and Tomography (SANCRAT), located at Necsa, strives to be leaders in utilizing ionizing radiation as imaging probes in research and development as part of the South African National System of Innovation. The centre already encompasses a Neutron Radiography and Tomography facility (SANRAD) as well as a High Energy X-ray facility (HEXRAD). Recently the centre introduced a state-of-the art micro-focus X-ray machine to the already diverse arsenal of imaging equipment in the Micro-focus X-ray Radiography and Tomography facility (MIXRAD). It is anticipated that the equipment will be extensively used by post graduate students and researchers since this dedicated equipment is the first of this kind and type being made available, nationally, to conduct research for free if the research leads to the publication of peer reviewed papers and /or an upgrade to a higher educational degree. The characteristics and performance capabilities of the MIXRAD facility are presented through several case studies that were being conducted with the instrument.