RTU gemcitabine reduces the environmental impact of chemotherapy

GERPAC Congress highlights

The use of licensed ready-to-use (RTU) gemcitabine in polypropylene infusion bags (Sun Pharma) is associated with fewer carbon emissions than in-house compounding from glass vials, according to Dorian Protzenko (Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal des Alpes du Sud).

The researchers conducted a “cradle-to-grave” analysis of the carbon emissions associated with each product, taking into account the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), excipients, packaging, upstream and downstream transport, formulation losses, consumables and disposal.  Carbon emissions were calculated using standard methods – Ecovamed© 2025, Carebone© v2.3 and in-house hospital data.

The results showed that RTU gemcitabine bags were associated with carbon savings of 40-60% per dose compared with traditional in-house preparation of doses. Major factors in the carbon savings were the switch to lightweight plastic containers (~42%), the elimination of sterile consumable devices (~19%) and lower quantities of clinical waste incinerated (~14%).

The researchers concluded that replacing glass vials of gemcitabine with the RTU bags reduced the environmental impact with up to 1.7 Kg of exhaust gas carbon dioxide (EGCO₂) avoided per dose administered. This corresponds to the emissions generated by a 15-minute car journey in an average petrol vehicle.

Protzenko D & Plan A. licensed ready-to-use gemcitabine bags cut carbon emissions versus in-house vial compounding. Short communication. GERPAC Congress 2025

Photo: Dorian Protzenko. Photo – courtesy of GERPAC