Open AccessBiomonitoring of pharmacists and nurses at occupational risk from handling antineoplastic agents
Author(s) -
Santos Andreza Negreli,
Oliveira Rodrigo Juliano,
Pessatto Lucas Roberto,
Gomes Roberto da Silva,
Freitas Carlos Alberto Ferreira de
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of pharmacy practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.42
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 2042-7174
pISSN - 0961-7671
DOI - 10.1111/ijpp.12590
Subject(s) - medicine , biomonitoring , antineoplastic drugs , health professionals , ifosfamide , occupational exposure , urine , environmental health , family medicine , nursing , pharmacology , health care , chemotherapy , chemistry , organic chemistry , etoposide , economics , economic growth
Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of genetic lesions in pharmacists and nurses who prepare and/or handle antineoplastic agents and to evaluate whether there are traces of contaminants in the urine of these professionals. Methods A total of 59 professionals participated in the study, of which 10 were non‐exposed professionals (controls), 25 were pharmacists, and 24 were nurses. Key findings There was a significant increase in genetic damage in lymphocytes and cells of the oral mucosa in both pharmacists and nurses. The levels of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide were also increased in the urine samples from those individuals. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the growing need for genetic biomonitoring and biomonitoring of trace antineoplastic agents in the urine of health professionals who prepare and/or handle antineoplastic agents.