Advancing Brain Cancer Diagnosis While Supporting NHS Net Zero Goals
Advancing Brain Cancer Diagnosis While Supporting NHS Net Zero Goals
Akshaykumar Kamble
Consultant Neuroradiologist
Glioma Radiogenomics Services is transforming brain cancer diagnosis by integrating AI-driven analysis into the existing NHS care pathway. This innovation not only enhances patient outcomes but also aligns with the NHS’s Net Zero strategy, reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare services.
The Environmental Challenge in Brain Cancer Diagnosis
Brain cancer diagnosis often requires invasive stereotactic biopsies, which are resource-intensive and carry risks of complications. These procedures contribute to:
- Increased hospital stays, requiring energy-intensive care.
- Higher carbon emissions from patient and staff travel.
- Surgical waste and use of anesthesia, increasing Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions.
- Diagnostic delays leading to prolonged patient monitoring and repeat imaging.
By introducing a non-invasive AI-driven diagnostic tool, we can reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies, streamline care, and help the NHS meet its Net Zero targets.
Reducing Carbon Footprint Across GHGP Scopes
Our innovation contributes to carbon reduction across multiple levels:
GHGP Scope 1: Direct Emissions Reduction
- Early-stage brain cancer patients who are surgically fit can be directly referred for surgery, bypassing the need for biopsies.
- Reduction in biopsy-related complications means shorter hospital stays and fewer intensive care admissions.
- Lower anesthesia use reduces emissions from energy-intensive operating theatres.
GHGP Scope 2: Lower Energy Consumption
- Decreased hospital stays translate to lower electricity and heating demands.
- Reduced pre-biopsy workups and MDT meeting burdens optimize hospital resource use.
GHGP Scope 3: Sustainable Healthcare Delivery
- Fewer patient and staff hospital visits, minimizing travel-related emissions.
- Remote AI analysis eliminates the need for physical pathology transport between hospitals.
- Digital radiogenomics reporting aligns with the NHS’s paperless, digital-first approach.
Beyond GHGP Scopes: Indirect Sustainability Gains
- Patient & Family Travel Reduction: Minimizing procedures means fewer hospital visits, easing transport burdens on families.
- Health Equity Impact: Reducing geographical disparities ensures that patients in remote areas benefit from the same diagnostic accuracy without the need for travel to specialist centers.
Carbon Footprint Assessment and NHS Compliance
Carbon Footprint Assessment and NHS Compliance
To quantify the carbon savings, we will:
✅ Conduct a before-and-after carbon assessment of the NHS brain cancer pathway.
✅ Collaborate with independent evaluators (e.g. NIHR HRCs) to ensure robust carbon accounting.
✅ Align with the NHS Supplier Roadmap, setting clear carbon reduction targets.
Commitment to Sustainable Healthcare
Commitment to Sustainable Healthcare
Our Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) has been reviewed and approved by our board, ensuring ongoing monitoring and reporting. By integrating Glioma Radiogenomics Services into the NHS, we are committed to delivering both patient-centered and environmentally responsible healthcare.
Conclusion: AI-Powered, Net Zero Healthcare
Conclusion: AI-Powered, Net Zero Healthcare
Glioma AI is more than a diagnostic tool—it’s a step toward sustainable, efficient, and patient-friendly cancer care. By reducing unnecessary procedures, shortening hospital stays, and minimizing resource use, we are helping the NHS achieve its Net Zero ambitions while improving brain cancer diagnosis.
