Abstract
Because anti-cancer drugs are non-selective, they affect both cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Being carcinogenic and mutagenic, many anticancer drugs therefore present a major health risk to healthcare staff working with them. This paper reviews the means by which exposure to anti-cancer drugs in the workplace may be monitored, assessed and reduced. Both biological monitoring, using non-selective methods or compound-selective methods, and environmental monitoring have provided information on the nature and degree of exposure in the workplace. Pharmaceutical isolators, used for the compounding of cytotoxic IV infusions and the preparation of injectable drugs, provide a physical barrier between pharmacists and cytotoxic drugs and reduce direct exposure. However, the interior of isolators and the contents thereof (e.g. infusion bags and syringes) are readily contaminated by aerosols and spillages and afford a secondary source of exposure to pharmacists, nurses and cleaning staff. Closed system transfer devices (CSTDs), designed to prohibit the transfer of contaminants into the working environment during drug transfer between the vial and syringe, have been successful in further reducing, but not eliminating surface contamination. Given that the number of patients requiring treatment with chemotherapeutic agents is predicted to increase, further efforts to reduce occupational exposure to anti-cancer drugs, including the refinement and wider use of CTSDs, are recommended.
DOI
10.1177/1078155213498630
Publication Date
2014-08-01
Publication Title
J Oncol Pharm Pract
Volume
20
Issue
4
First Page
278
Last Page
287
Organisational Unit
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Keywords
Anti-cancer drugs, biological monitoring, closed system drug transfer device, environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical isolator, Antineoplastic Agents, Environmental Monitoring, Humans, Occupational Exposure, Pharmacists, Pharmacy, Pharmacy Service, Hospital, Protective Devices, Workplace
Recommended Citation
Vyas, N., Yiannakis, D., Turner, A., & Sewell, G. (2014) 'Occupational exposure to anti-cancer drugs: A review of effects of new technology.', J Oncol Pharm Pract, 20(4), pp. 278-287. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1078155213498630
