Open Access News Cancer Research News Altering cancer treatment dosing could significantly reduce its climate impact May 29, 2024 image: @PeopleImages | iStock The University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center has revealed that changing the dosing schedule for common cancer therapy could greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising the patient’s outcomes The research focused on the immunotherapy cancer treatment drug pembrolizumab, which is commonly distributed every three weeks at a standard dose of 200 milligrams. By analysing 7,813 veterans treated through the Veterans Health Administration, researchers estimated the environmental impact of this frequent cancer treatment dosing. This includes carbon dioxide emissions from patient transportation, drug manufacturing, and medical waste from needles, tubing, and bags used during treatment.
Alternative solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions The study explored two alternative solutions: administering 400 milligrams every six weeks, a regimen approved by the FDA, and adjusting cancer treatment doses based on patient weight, as initially approved by the FDA. Both alternatives are believed to achieve similar cancer outcomes to the standard three-week dosing. Extending the treatment interval to every six weeks would reduce the number of infusions by 15,000, equating to 15,000 fewer trips to the clinic and 15,000 fewer instances of medical waste.
15,000 fewer trips to the clinic and 15,000 fewer instances .
