RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of "signature" chromosomal abnormalities in oncology workers handling anticancer drugs. METHODS: Peripheral blood from health care personnel (N = 109) was examined with probes for targets on chromosomes 5, 7, and 11. The effect of drug-handling frequency on chromosome abnormalities was assessed. RESULTS: An excess of structural (0.18 vs 0.02; P = 0.04) and total abnormalities (0.29 vs 0.04; P = 0.01) of chromosome 5 was observed in the high-exposure group compared with the unexposed. Increased incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for abnormalities of chromosome 5 (IRR = 1.24; P = 0.01) and for either chromosome 5 or 7 (IRR = 1.20; P = 0.01) were obtained at 100 handling events. Effect sizes were augmented 2- to 4-fold when alkylating agent handling alone was considered. CONCLUSIONS: Biologically important exposure to genotoxic drugs is apparently occurring in oncology work settings despite reported use of safety practices.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Aberraciones Cromosómicas/inducido químicamente , Cromosomas Humanos Par 5/efectos de los fármacos , Cromosomas Humanos Par 7/efectos de los fármacos , Oncología Médica , Polimorfismo Genético/efectos de los fármacos , Adulto , Antineoplásicos/sangre , Cromosomas Humanos Par 5/genética , Cromosomas Humanos Par 7/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Polimorfismo Genético/fisiología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated health care worker exposure to antineoplastic drugs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study examined environmental samples from pharmacy and nursing areas. A 6-week diary documented tasks involving those drugs. Urine was analyzed for two specific drugs, and blood samples were analyzed by the comet assay. RESULTS: Sixty-eight exposed and 53 nonexposed workers were studied. Exposed workers recorded 10,000 drug-handling events during the 6-week period. Sixty percent of wipe samples were positive for at least one of the five drugs measured. Cyclophosphamide was most commonly detected, followed by 5-fluorouracil. Three of the 68 urine samples were positive for one drug. No genetic damage was detected in exposed workers using the comet assay. CONCLUSIONS: Despite following recommended safe-handling practices, workplace contamination with antineoplastic drugs in pharmacy and nursing areas continues at these locations.