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Quantification of three antineoplastic agents in urine using the UniSpray ionisation source
Eline Verscheure1, Matteo Creta2, Dorian Vanneste1
1Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Background:
Many guidelines and safety measures led to a decrease in exposure to antineoplastic agents. Since healthcare workers are often exposed to lower concentrations than patients, a sensitive method is needed to quantify occupational exposure.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive method for simultaneous detection and quantification of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and paclitaxel in urine by use of UPLC-MS/MS with a UniSpray ionisation source.
Methods:
Compounds were extracted from urine using Novum simplified liquid extraction cartridges, separated on a C18 column, ionised by a UniSpray ionisation source and detected with MS/MS. In the second part of the study, a field study was performed to assess occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents.
Results:
Eighty-three samples from healthcare workers were analysed and resulted in seventeen samples containing quantifiable concentrations of at least one compound. In conclusion, a sensitive method for simultaneous detection and quantification of cyclophosphamide (LLOQ 0.05 ng/mL), ifosfamide (LLOQ 0.3 ng/mL) and paclitaxel (LLOQ 0.7 ng/mL) was developed and validated.
Insights
A new UPLC-MS/MS method accurately quantifies occupational exposure to cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and paclitaxel in healthcare workers. This sensitive technique helps monitor antineoplastic agent exposure in the workplace.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Decreased antineoplastic agent exposure due to safety measures.
- Need for sensitive methods to quantify low-level occupational exposure in healthcare workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate a sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous detection of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and paclitaxel.
- Assess occupational exposure to these antineoplastic agents in healthcare workers.
Main Methods:
- Urine sample extraction using Novum cartridges.
- Separation on a C18 column.
- Ionization via UniSpray and detection with MS/MS.
Main Results:
- Quantifiable concentrations of at least one antineoplastic agent found in 17 out of 83 healthcare worker samples.
- Validated method with low limit of quantification (LLOQ) for cyclophosphamide (0.05 ng/mL), ifosfamide (0.3 ng/mL), and paclitaxel (0.7 ng/mL).
Conclusions:
- A sensitive and validated UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of key antineoplastic agents in urine was successfully developed.
- The method is suitable for assessing occupational exposure in healthcare settings.
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