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Effect of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs on DNA damage in nurses: a cross-sectional study

Xiaohong Huang1, Chaoxian Gao2, Wenzhi Cai3

  • 1Department of Nursing, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|December 31, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs increases DNA damage in nurses. This study highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect healthcare workers from these hazardous agents.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Molecular Toxicology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Antineoplastic drugs, while therapeutic, pose risks as carcinogens, mutagens, and teratogens.
  • Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, face potential occupational exposure to these hazardous agents.
  • Assessing DNA damage is crucial for understanding the health risks associated with antineoplastic drug handling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs on DNA damage in nurses.
  • To quantify DNA damage using established biomarkers in exposed and non-exposed nursing staff.
  • To identify the relationship between antineoplastic drug exposure and genetic damage in a healthcare setting.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 305 nurses exposed to antineoplastic drugs and 150 controls.
  • DNA damage assessment using the comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay.
  • Statistical analysis employing multiple linear and logistic regression models to analyze exposure effects.

Main Results:

  • Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs was significantly associated with increased DNA damage markers (tail moment, olive moment, tail length, tail DNA percentage).
  • Biomarkers from the CBMN assay also showed significant positive relationships with antineoplastic drug exposure.
  • No significant interactions were found between antineoplastic drug exposure and other variables (except age) for DNA damage biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs is directly linked to a higher risk of DNA damage in nurses.
  • These findings underscore the critical public health issue of antineoplastic agent exposure in healthcare.
  • Urgent attention and improved safety protocols are necessary to mitigate these risks for nursing staff.
Keywords:
DNA damageenvironmental exposureoccupational healthtoxicology

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