Frequency and component analysis of contaminants generated in preparation of anticancer agents using closed system drug transfer devices (CSTDs).

Occupational exposure of anticancer agents during their preparation has been recognized as a serious hazard. Closed system drug transfer devices (CSTDs) enable "safe" preparation of agents for medical personnel and ensure a safe hospital environment. However, artificial particles of infusion materials have been reported during CSTD use. Here, the incidence of insoluble fine particles during preparation of anticancer agents using CSTDs was examined. Visible insoluble fine particles were found in 465 (9.4%) of 4948 treatment cases at Ehime University Hospital with CSTD use. Contaminants occurred more frequently during preparation of monoclonal antibodies than cytotoxic anticancer agents (19.4% vs. 4.1%, respectively, P < 0.01). A similar survey was conducted at nine hospitals to investigate the incidence of insoluble fine particles with or without CSTDs. Insoluble fine particles were detected in 113 (15.4%) of 732 treatment cases during preparation of monoclonal antibodies with CSTD use. In contrast, the occurrence of insoluble fine particles without CSTDs was found in only 3 (0.073%) of 4113 treatment cases. Contamination with CSTDs might cause harmful effects on patients during cancer therapy. We strongly recommend the use of in-line filters combined with infusion routes after CSTD use to avoid contamination-associated adverse events.

Fructooligosaccharides consumption inhibits the loss of iron from the incisor enamel surface in gastrectomized rat.

We examined the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the reduction in the incisor iron content in gastrectomized rat. Twenty-eight 5- wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: sham operated (bSH) and gastrectomized (bGX). After 4 wk, each group was divided into two subgroups according to the presence or absence of 7.5% FOS in the synthetic diet (SH, SH+FOS, GX, and GX+FOS). At 10 wk after surgery, the maxilla was prepared to examine the iron content of the incisor enamel surface at four points. These points corresponded to the iron content at 6, 7, 8, and 10 wk, respectively. Blood was collected to determine serum iron levels at 4 and 10 wk. The serum iron level significantly decreased at 4 and 10 wk in the GX group. At 10 wk, the level in the GX+FOS group significantly increased but did not reach that in the SH group. The iron content of the enamel surface time-dependently increased and no significant differences were seen between SH and GX+FOS at 8 and 10 wk. These results suggest that FOS consumption impaired the loss of enamel content following gastrectomy, and this effect preceded the effect on the serum iron level.