Energy Consumption in Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Global Challenge.

What is it about?

The study compares energy expenditure of patients with prostate cancer undergoing definitive radiotherapy with moderate hypofractionation and stereotactic body radiotherapy. It found that stereotactic body radiotherapy leads to a significant reduction in energy expenditure. The study demonstrates that similar kWh is expended per treatment whether delivered with hypofractionation or stereotactic body radiotherapy.

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Why is it important?

This study is important because it sheds light on the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with different radiation therapy (RT) treatment options for prostate cancer. As climate change remains a global challenge, understanding the environmental impact of healthcare practices is crucial for making climate-smart decisions in radiation oncology. Key Takeaways: 1. Energy expenditure and CO2 emissions were compared between moderate hypofractionation (HF) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer patients. 2. SBRT resulted in a significant reduction (82%) in energy expenditure compared to moderate HF. 3. The environmental impact of radiation oncology should be addressed by reducing, reusing, recycling, and re-thinking treatment options.