Safety constiderations in the use of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy

The clinical significance of occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents is controversial. Accrued evidence does not seem to indicate mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and tertogenicity when exposure is limited by proper precautions. However, medical surveillance of personnel continually exposed to these cytotoxic agents will aid in early detection of any problems should they occur. Because the current fiscal milieu constantly emphasizes cost containment, true prevention means an intense worker education program. Personnel continually exposed to these cytotoxic agents should have scheduled health checkups twice a year, and exposure frequency should be reported to the employee's personal physician.