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Biomarkers of occupational exposure do anticancer agents: a minireview
1ENSP-UNL, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal. a.suspiro@ensp.unl.pt
Abstract:
The majority of anticancer agents has in common DNA-damaging properties and affects not only target-cells but also non-tumour cells. Its genotoxicity has been demonstrated in experimental models and in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Health care personnel involved in the preparation and administration of chemotherapy is therefore at risk for adverse health effects, since most environmental sampling studies demonstrated that there is widespread contamination of work surfaces and equipments with anticancer drugs. Adherence to safety guidelines and proper use of personal protective equipment are insufficient to prevent significant absorption, as evidenced by the presence of detectable amounts of drugs in urine samples and increased frequency of genotoxicity biomarkers. In this minireview, a critical appraisal of the most important biomarkers used for the evaluation of occupational exposure to anticancer agents as well as a summary of the key findings from several studies published in this field is performed.
Insights
Healthcare workers preparing chemotherapy are exposed to genotoxic anticancer drugs. Current safety measures are insufficient, as shown by biomarkers indicating drug absorption and DNA damage.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Anticancer agents possess DNA-damaging properties, affecting both tumor and healthy cells.
- Occupational exposure to cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs is a significant risk for healthcare personnel.
- Environmental contamination with anticancer drugs is widespread in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically appraise biomarkers for evaluating occupational exposure to anticancer agents.
- To summarize key findings on genotoxicity biomarkers in healthcare workers handling chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on biomarkers of occupational exposure to anticancer drugs.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating genotoxicity in healthcare personnel.
- Evaluation of environmental sampling data for anticancer drug contamination.
Main Results:
- Genotoxicity biomarkers indicate significant occupational exposure despite safety guidelines.
- Detectable amounts of anticancer drugs found in urine samples of healthcare workers.
- Increased frequency of genotoxicity biomarkers suggests insufficient protection.
Conclusions:
- Current safety protocols are inadequate to fully protect healthcare workers from cytotoxic drug exposure.
- Biomarkers are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of safety measures and identifying risks.
- Further research and improved safety strategies are needed to mitigate occupational health risks.
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