SULTAN ZORTUL, ABDULSAMET ZORTUL, YASEMİN ÖRS
Turkish Journal of Oncology - 2025;40(3):190-199
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from two different radiotherapy (RT) methods used in the treatment of rectal cancer and to investigate their impact on the carbon footprint. METHODS Variables contributing to carbon emissions were identified and quantified. The carbon footprint was evaluated based on the total emissions produced during two RT regimens: 50 Gy in 25 fractions (longcourse radiotherapy, LCRT) and 25 Gy in 5 fractions (short-course radiotherapy, SCRT). RESULTS A total of 12 patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 68.5±13.83 years. Among them, 83.3% (n=10) were male. The overall carbon footprint from all procedures was calculated as 168.6±85.4 kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per patient. The mean emission for SCRT was 105±9.4 kg CO2e, while for LCRT it was 231.4±80.6 kg CO2e per patient-a statistically significant difference (p=0.004). Inpatient treatment resulted in lower carbon emissions than outpatient treatment. The highest contributors to carbon emissions in both groups were radiotherapy and imaging procedures, followed by transportation, electricity use, and heating systems. CONCLUSION The study concluded that SCRT, inpatient treatment, proximity of patients’ residences to the hospital, and the use of public transportation were associated with reduced carbon footprint values.
