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Occupational rhinosinusitis due to etoposide, an antineoplastic agent
Harald W Meyer1, Per Stahl Skov
1Clinic of Occupational Medicine, Hillerød Hospital, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark. hmeyer@dadlnet.dk.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|February 23, 2010
Summary
A nurse experienced occupational hypersensitivity to etoposide, an antineoplastic agent, causing rhinosinusitis. Symptoms resolved upon removal from exposure, indicating a work-related allergic reaction.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Allergy and Immunology
- Oncology Nursing
Background:
- Healthcare workers handling chemotherapy agents are at risk of occupational exposures.
- Hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents can manifest with diverse clinical symptoms.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old nurse developed rhinitis and sinusitis symptoms after commencing work in an oncology setting.
- Symptoms recurred upon re-exposure to chemotherapy agents, specifically etoposide.
Findings:
- In vitro histamine release testing confirmed hypersensitivity to etoposide.
- The patient's symptoms resolved when she was no longer exposed to the antineoplastic agent.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing occupational hypersensitivity to chemotherapy drugs.
- Further investigation is needed to determine the exact immunological mechanism (IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated) of etoposide hypersensitivity.
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