The carbon footprint of external beam radiotherapy and its impact in health technology assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The major drivers of carbon dioxide (CO₂eq) emissions of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are not well known and limit our ability to initiate mitigation strategies.

Material and methods

We describe the carbon footprint of four typical centers. We explore direct EBRT associated factors such as the impact of fractionation and use of MRI-LINAC, as well as indirect factors (e.g. patient rides). Treatment strategy related CO₂eq emissions are included in a health technology assessment analysis that takes into account CO₂eq emissions.

Results

A typical EBRT treatment emits from 185 kgCO₂eq to 2066 kgCO₂eq. CO₂eq emissions are mostly driven by (i) accelerator acquisition and maintenance (37.8 

SUBMITTER: Dupraz C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11359761 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature