Meta-analysis of chromosomal aberrations as a biomarker of exposure in healthcare workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs

Reducing the particles generated by flushing institutional toilets. Part II: Assessing a portable and reusable toilet cover in U.S. hospitals

Flushing uncovered toilets in hospitals has been shown to produce toilet plume aerosols (TPA) in a wide size ranging from nanometers to micrometers. Studies have shown that TPA can carry infectious pathogens and hazardous drugs used in cancer treatment. To mitigate the risk of exposure, some researchers have recommended covering the toilet during flushing, and guidelines from the Oncology Nursing Society have specifically recommended covering the toilet when flushing excreta from patients receiving chemotherapy. Because existing literature primarily focused on controlled laboratory settings or small case studies, there has been a need for a real-world, multi-center study in clinical settings to measure TPA by flushing both covered and un-covered toilets. To address this gap, the authors initiated a multicenter study to measure TPA in clinical settings and to assess the effectiveness of a commercially available, portable, and reusable toilet cover. The study enrolled 15 hospital centers (145 toilets) in nine U.S. states which included seven National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers. The particle number concentrations were measured using a TSI optical particle counter (TSI 9306) with six size bins (0.3 to 25.0 µm) positioned 22 inches above the floor. The results showed that the ambient particle number concentrations in the HEPA-filtered floor bathrooms (376 ± 857#/L) are significantly lower than the non-HEPA-filtered ones (7,432 ± 9,207#/L). The mean particle number concentrations generated by flushing are 3,951 ± 8,606#/L with a median of 1,916#/L, ranging from 136#/L to 71,959#/L. Results with cover demonstrated a reduction in the total number of particles of 101 ± 11% regardless of the HEPA filter usage (p = 0.0002 in the Mann-Whitney U test). Mixed-effects modeling revealed that the overall level of particle reduction is substantial regardless of state (nine total), floor levels, flush volumes, and inpatient versus outpatient. This study provides evidence supporting the use of the tested portable toilet cover as an intervention to reduce healthcare workers', patients', and visitors' exposure to toilet plume aerosols in clinical settings.

Determination of the genotoxic effects of sweeteners, mannitol and lactitol

The changes in dietary habit around the world have led to an increased use of additives in the food. The safety of food additives has been a main focus of research for many years due to the ongoing debate on their potential effects on health. In this study, the in vitro genotoxic effects of mannitol and lactitol, polyols used as sweetener food additives, were evaluated using chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus (MN) assays in human peripheral lymphocytes. Additionally, the effects of these sweeteners on the mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI) were investigated. Concentrations of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 μg/mL for mannitol and 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 μg/mL for lactitol were used. The results indicated that both polyols did not affect CA and MN frequency, and did not cause a significant change in NDI at all treatment concentratoins. However, mannitol (except at concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/mL) and lactitol (except at 250 μg/mL) significantly decreased the MI compared to the control at almost all concentrations and treatment times. In conclusion, it was observed that mannitol and lactitol did not have a significant genotoxic effect at the concentrations used in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Real-world study of the leakage of two types of infusion bags in multicenter pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS)

Background: This study sought to analyze the leakage rate, economic loss caused by leakage, leakage reasons, and usage of upright polypropylene infusion bags and non-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) infusion bags, two types of closed intravenous infusion containers used in pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS), to improve the product quality of drug infusion packaging materials, reduce drug and clinical economic losses, and reduce the safety hazards of medication. Method: A real-world study was used to collect statistics for these infusion containers. The study was conducted in 21 hospitals in China from September to December 2022. Upright polypropylene infusion bags or non-PVC infusion bags in PIVAS of these 21 hospitals were chosen as the research material. Results: In total, 2,349,899 upright polypropylene infusion bags and 3,301,722 non-PVC infusion bags were collected. Eleven cases of upright polypropylene infusion bag leakage occurred (with a the leakage rate of 0.05‱), and 394 cases of non-PVC infusion bag leakage occurred (with a leakage rate of 1.19‱). The leakage rate of non-PVC infusion bags was significantly higher than that of upright polypropylene infusion bags (p < 0.01). The main reason for leakage in upright polypropylene infusion bags was sharp objects such as glass fragments or aluminum caps piercing the bag. The main reason for leakage in non-PVC infusion bags was squeezing, stacking, and uneven arrangement that causes folding of edges. For non-PVC bags, additional reasons for leakage included leakage at the nozzle joint, excessive manual or machine throwing force, and excessive dosage. The economic loss of upright polypropylene infusion bags was 1,116.56 CNY. The economic loss of non-PVC infusion bags was 32,210.86 CNY. Conclusion: Based on real-world study data on the leakage of upright polypropylene infusion bags and non-PVC infusion bags in multicenter PIVAS, it can be concluded that the leakage rates of upright polypropylene infusion bags are significantly lower than those of non-PVC infusion bags in PIVAS, and the economic losses due to upright polypropylene infusion bags are lower than those due to non-PVC infusion bags in PIVAS. Therefore, we can infer that upright polypropylene infusion bags are superior to non-PVC infusion bags.

Knowledge and practices about safe handling regarding the risk of exposure to antineoplastic drugs for caregivers in compounding units and in operating rooms performing HIPEC/PIPAC

INTRODUCTION

Ever since the late 1970s, occupational exposure associated with the handling of antineoplastic drugs (ADs) in the healthcare environment has been highlighted and demonstrated. Contamination was detected in both operating rooms (OR) and compounding units (CU), where healthcare workers handle and are exposed to ADs in different ways. In the OR, the risk of exposure is higher and the staff receives less training in handling ADs than in the CU. This study aimed to assess and compare knowledge and practices about the safe handling of ADs by caregivers working in these two locations, namely the CU and OR.

METHODS

Two questionnaires (one each for the OR and CU) were created by two investigator pharmacists and were completed during a personal interview of 20 min. The questions were related to the following topics: training, knowledge about occupational exposure and questions related to protective practices. A scoring system was implemented to assess the knowledge and practices of each participant.

RESULTS

In total, 38 caregivers working in the OR and 39 in the CU were included in our study. Significantly more CU staff had specific initial training (p < 0.001) and ongoing training (p < 0.001) in handling ADs. Concerning the knowledge score, OR caregivers had a significantly lower median score for contamination routes (p < 0.001), contamination surfaces (p < 0.001), existing procedures (p < 0.001) and total knowledge (p < 0.001) than CU caregivers. Concerning protective handling practices of ADs, the two locations had nonsignificantly different median scores (p = 0.892).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that there is still room for improvement in terms of knowledge and protection practices when handling ADs. An appropriate and tailored training program should be developed and provided to all caregivers who handle or come in contact with ADs.Clinical trial registrationStudy CONTACT, ref. 19-504.

Factors associated with internal contamination of nurses by antineoplastic drugs based on biomonitoring data from a previous study

Internal contamination of healthcare professionals by antineoplastic drugs (ADs) remains a current occupational health issue, particularly because these compounds are classified as dangerous to handle by the NIOSH. In order to improve preventive actions, a study of the factors associated with this internal contamination was conducted among nursing staff in health care institutions. This study is a statistical analysis of metadata from a cross-sectional observational study conducted among nurses in two French hospitals. The internal contamination of each nurse was assessed in a previous study and was defined by whether or not at least one studied AD was detected in at least one urine sample. Three urine samples and a self-questionnaire were collected for each participant. Analysis of five ADs (cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, metabolite of 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, doxorubicin) were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. A multivariate stepwise descending regression model was used to determine factors associated with internal contamination by coupling data from a self-questionnaire with internal contamination data. A total of 74 nurses participated to the study and 68 were included for this work: 39 nurses with and 29 without detectable internal ADs contamination. Two protective factors of internal contamination could be identified: a high "glove wearing score" (OR: 0.957; 95%CI: 0.93-0.98; p < 0.01) and a high "total number of years handling ADs and/or caring for patients treated with ADs" (OR: 0.797; 95%CI: 0.67-0.91; p < 0.01). In addition, three factors contributing to internal contamination were identified, namely "feeling sufficiently informed about tasks exposing to ADs" (OR: 9.585; 95%CI: 2.23-57.05; p < 0.01), "disposal of a waste bin containing equipment used for administration of the ADs studied" (OR: 8.04; 95%CI: 1.87-46.08; p < 0.01) and "changing sheets and/or making bed of a patient treated by one of the ADs studied" (OR: 10.479; 95%CI: 1.43-133.30; p < 0.05). Thus, the use of gloves when handling ADs directly or indirectly and the contaminating nature of certain tasks should be taken into account when (1) implementing preventive actions in health care services and (2) training and informing exposed staff. Further studies would be desirable to confirm these results and extend them to other professional categories.

The meta-analysis of sister chromatid exchange as a biomarker in healthcare workers with occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs

BACKGROUND

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) can be used to identify early occupational health status in health care workers. Our aim is to comprehensively assess the relationship between long-term exposure to antineoplastic drugs (ADs) and SCE in health care workers via meta-analysis.

METHODS

Five databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published from inception to November 30, 2022. Literature data are expressed as mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) or relative risk and 95% CI. For I2 > 50% trials, random effect model is used for statistical analysis, otherwise fixed effect model is used. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier CRD42023399914).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included in this study. Results showed the level of SCE in healthcare workers exposed to ADs was significantly higher than in controls. The mean difference of the SCE trial was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.10-0.95, P = .01) under a random-effects model.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggested a significant correlation between occupational exposure to ADs in health care workers and SCE, requiring the attention of health care workers in general.

Biological response to the continuous occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs and radionuclides

PURPOSE

Antineoplastic drugs and radioiodine are recognized occupational risk factors affecting the genetic material of exposed persons. To assess cytogenetic damage and evaluate the presence of chromosomal instability during occupational exposure, a biomonitoring study was performed using a chromosomal aberration assay and a cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples from 314 healthy donors divided into 3 groups (control, exposed to antineoplastic drugs and exposed to radioiodine) were collected and cytogenetically analyzed.

RESULTS

There was an increase in almost all analyzed parameters registered in the exposed persons. Chromatid breaks were higher in the subjects exposed to antineoplastic drugs, while dicentrics and premature centromere division (PCD) parameters were higher in nuclear medicine workers. The total number of micronuclei was higher in both groups of the exposed. The correlation analysis indicated the association of dicentrics, acentrics, chromosome and chromatid break with PCDs in both groups of the exposed, and micronuclei and nucleoplasmic bridges with PCDs in the subjects exposed to radioiodine. The discriminant analysis marked off PCD1-5 as the best predictor of exposure. Age, sex, sampling season and duration of exposure significantly influenced the analyzed parameters, while smoking habits did not show any influence.

CONCLUSION

Based on the observed results, premature centromere division can be considered a valuable parameter of genotoxic risk for individuals occupationally exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation.

Error-corrected next generation sequencing - Promises and challenges for genotoxicity and cancer risk assessment

Error-corrected Next Generation Sequencing (ecNGS) is rapidly emerging as a valuable, highly sensitive and accurate method for detecting and characterizing mutations in any cell type, tissue or organism from which DNA can be isolated. Recent mutagenicity and carcinogenicity studies have used ecNGS to quantify drug-/chemical-induced mutations and mutational spectra associated with cancer risk. ecNGS has potential applications in genotoxicity assessment as a new readout for traditional models, for mutagenesis studies in 3D organotypic cultures, and for detecting off-target effects of gene editing tools. Additionally, early data suggest that ecNGS can measure clonal expansion of mutations as a mechanism-agnostic early marker of carcinogenic potential and can evaluate mutational load directly in human biomonitoring studies. In this review, we discuss promising applications, challenges, limitations, and key data initiatives needed to enable regulatory testing and adoption of ecNGS - including for advancing safety assessment, augmenting weight-of-evidence for mutagenicity and carcinogenicity mechanisms, identifying early biomarkers of cancer risk, and managing human health risk from chemical exposures.

Taking steps to protect cancer nurses from exposure to hazardous drugs

Freelance medical writer Christine Clark (chris@salt.u-net.com) reports on an online meeting held in March 2023 as part of a series on the risks of exposure to hazardous drugs for nurses working in oncology.

Systematic review of genotoxicity induced by occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs

With increasing numbers of cancer cases, the use of antineoplastic agents is expected to rise. This will be accompanied by an increase in occupational exposure, which can cause unwanted health effects in workers. Our aim was to give an overview of genotoxic and epigenetic effects after occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents and to assess the concentration-effect relation. Four databases were searched for papers investigating genotoxic and/or epigenetic effects of occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents. Out of the 245 retrieved papers, 62 were included in this review. In this systematic literature review, we confirmed that exposure of healthcare workers to antineoplastic agents can lead to genotoxic damage. However, we observed a lack of data on exposure as well as genotoxic and epigenetic effects in workers other than healthcare workers. Furthermore, gaps in the current knowledge regarding the potential epigenetic effects caused by antineoplastic drug exposure and regarding the link between internal antineoplastic drug concentration and genotoxic and epigenetic effects after occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents were identified, offering a first step for future research.

The meta-analysis of cytogenetic biomarkers as an assessment of occupational risk for healthcare workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs

OBJECTIVE

Antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are widely used in clinical practice and have been demonstrated to be effective in treating malignant tumors. However, they carry a risk of cytogenotoxicity for healthcare workers. Studies have reported that genotoxic biomarkers can be applied to assess the occupational health status of healthcare workers at an early stage, but results of different studies are variable. The objectives of the review were examine the association between long-term exposure to ADs and cytogenetic damage to healthcare workers.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed studies between 2005 and 2021 using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases that used cytogenetic biomarkers to assess occupational exposure to ADs in healthcare workers. We used RevMan5.4 to analyze the tail length parameters of the DNA, frequency of the chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei. A total of 16 studies were included in our study. The studies evaluate the quality of the literature through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

RESULTS

The results revealed that under the random-effects model, the estimated standard deviation was 2.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-3.81, P = 0.001) for the tail length parameters of the DNA, 1.48 (95% CI 0.71-2.25, P = 0.0002) for the frequency of chromosomal aberrations, 1.74 (95% CI 0.49-2.99, P = 0.006) for the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and 1.64 (95% CI 0.83-2.45, P < 0.0001) for the frequency of micronuclei.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that there is a significant association between occupational exposure to ADs and cytogenetic damage, to which healthcare workers should be alerted.

Safe handling of hazardous drugs

Background: This evidence-based practice guideline was developed to update and address new issues in the handling of hazardous drugs including being compliant with NAPRA (National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities) and USP 800 (United States Pharmacopeia) standards, the use of personal protective equipment and treatment in diverse settings including in the home setting. Methods: This guideline was developed from an adaptation and endorsement of existing guidelines and from three systematic reviews. Prior to publication, this guideline underwent a series of peer, patient, methodological and external reviews to gather feedback. All comments were addressed and the guideline was amended when required. This guideline applies to and is intended for all health care workers who may come into contact with hazardous drugs at any point in the medication circuit. Results: The recommendations represent a reasonable and practical set of procedures that the intended users of this guideline should implement to minimize the opportunity for accidental exposure. These recommendations are not limited to just the point of care, but cover the entire chain of handling of cytotoxics from the time they enter the institution until they leave in the patient or as waste. Conclusions: Decreasing the likelihood of accidental exposure to cytotoxic agents within the medication circuit is the main objective of this evidenced-based guideline. The recommendations differ slightly from previous guidelines due to new evidence.

Cadmium exposure and DNA damage (genotoxicity): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Existing literature suggests an association between chronic cadmium (Cd) exposure and the induction of DNA damage and genotoxicity. However, observations from individual studies are inconsistent and conflicting. Therefore current systematic review aimed to pool evidence from existing literature to synthesize quantitative and qualitative corroboration on the association between markers of genotoxicity and occupational Cd exposed population. Studies that evaluated markers of DNA damage among occupationally Cd-exposed and unexposed workers were selected after a systematic literature search. The DNA damage markers included were chromosomal aberrations (chromosomal, chromatid, sister chromatid exchange), Micronucleus (MN) frequency in mono and binucleated cells (MN with condensed chromatin, lobed nucleus, nuclear buds, mitotic index, nucleoplasmatic bridges, pyknosis, and karyorrhexis), comet assay (tail intensity, tail length, tail moment, and olive tail moment), and oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine). Mean differences or standardized mean differences were pooled using a random-effects model. The Cochran-Q test and I² statistic were used to monitor heterogeneity among included studies. Twenty-nine studies with 3080 occupationally Cd-exposed and 1807 unexposed workers were included in the review. Cd among the exposed group was higher in blood [4.77 μg/L (-4.94-14.48)] and urine samples [standardized mean difference 0.47 (0.10-0.85)] than in the exposed group. The Cd exposure is positively associated with higher levels of DNA damage characterized by increased frequency of MN [7.35 (-0.32-15.02)], sister chromatid exchange [20.30 (4.34-36.26)], chromosomal aberrations, and oxidative DNA damage (comet assay and 8OHdG [0.41 (0.20-0.63)]) compared to the unexposed. However, with considerable between-study heterogeneity. Chronic Cd exposure is associated with augmented DNA damage. However, more extensive longitudinal studies with adequate sample sizes are necessary to assist the current observations and promote comprehension of the Cd's role in inducing DNA damage.Prospero Registration ID: CRD42022348874.

Occupational Cancers among Employed Women: A Narrative Review

The facts that occupational cancer in women is under-investigated, with few in-depth analyses are well known. In recent decades the workforce has changed, with an increasing number of women employed. Therefore, the inclusion of women in occupational cancer studies has become more urgent and feasible than in the past decades. The difficulties to evaluate occupational causes of female gynecologic tumors in most past cohorts and the potential variation in outcome responses between men and women must be taken into consideration. This narrative review discusses women's occupational cancer as a current area of research, focusing on three groups of workers characterized by peculiar exposure to occupational carcinogens and where women are often employed: beauticians and hairdressers; farmers; and healthcare workers. We discuss the most relevant cancers in each working category, with a particular focus on female breast cancer. In the three industries reviewed in detail, there are some risk factors which may affect primarily women, inducing breast cancer and cervical cancer, as well as risk factors that are carcinogenic in both genders, but whose effects are less well known in women.

A LC-MS/MS based methodology for the environmental monitoring of healthcare settings contaminated with antineoplastic agents

Background

Adverse health events associated with the exposure of healthcare workers to antineoplastic drugs are well documented in literature and are often related to the chemical contamination of work surfaces. It is therefore crucial for healthcare professionals to validate the efficiency of safety procedures by periodic biological and environmental monitoring activities where the main methodological limitations are related to the complexity, in terms of chemical-physical features and chemical-biological stability, of the drugs analyzed.

Materials and methods

Here we describe the evaluation and application of a UHPLC-MS/MS based protocol for the environmental monitoring of hospital working areas potentially contaminated with methotrexate, iphosphamide, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, irinotecan, and paclitaxel. This methodology was used to evaluate working areas devoted to the preparation of chemotherapeutics and combination regimens at the University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" in Salerno (Italy).

Results

Our analyses allowed to uncover critical aspects in both working protocols and workspace organization, which highlighted, among others, cyclophosphamide and iphosphamide contamination. Suitable adjustments adopted after our environmental monitoring campaign significantly reduced the exposure risk for healthcare workers employed in the unit analyzed.

Conclusion

The use of sensitive analytical approaches such as LC-MS/MS coupled to an accurate wiping procedure in routine environmental monitoring allows to effectively improve chemical safety for exposed workers.

The need to protect cancer nurses from exposure to hazardous drugs

Freelance medical writer Christine Clark (chris@salt.u-net.com) reports on an online meeting held in May 2022 as part of a series on the risks of exposure to hazardous drugs for nurses working in oncology.

Chromosomal damage in occupationally exposed health professionals assessed by two cytogenetic methods

The study assessed occupationally induced chromosomal damage in hospital personnel at risk of exposure to antineoplastic drugs and/or low doses of ionizing radiation by two cytogenetic methods. Cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes of eighty-five hospital workers were examined twice over 2 to 3 years by classical chromosomal aberration analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The comparison of the 1^st and the 2^nd sampling of hospital workers showed a significant increase in chromatid and chromosomal aberrations (all p < .05) examined by classical chromosomal aberration analysis, and in unstable aberrations (all p < .05) detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Both cytogenetic methods were able to detect an increase of unstable aberrations in the 2^nd sampling. The raised frequency of unstable cytogenetic parameters suggested higher recent exposure to genotoxic agents.

Perception, knowledge, and handling practice regarding the risk of exposure to antineoplastic drugs in oncology day hospitalization units and compounding unit staff

BACKGROUND

Antineoplastic drug exposure is a major problem in regard to caregivers' health. The aim of the present study was to assess the perception, knowledge, and handling practices of all occupation level categories of two oncology day hospitalization units and two compounding units regarding the risk of exposure to antineoplastic drugs.

METHODS

This descriptive study, performed through face-to-face interviews, concurrently assessed the perception, knowledge, and handling practices of antineoplastic drugs in five different job categories in four different settings. This work was part of a larger comprehensive project examining surface and blood contamination. Different scores were assigned to evaluate responses to a questionnaire about the perception, knowledge, and handling practices of healthcare workers, a risk global score including a risk perception score, and education/knowledge and handling practices scores.

RESULTS

In the survey, continuous training was associated with the global risk score (p = 0.03), particularly with the handling practices risk score (p = 0.01). Job category was also significantly associated with the global risk score (p < 0.001), particularly with the handling practices risk score (p < 0.001) and the education/knowledge score (p < 0.001). Pharmacy technicians had the highest score regarding risk perception (71.4%), indicating a higher perception of risk, and had a lower score regarding handling practices (25.0%) as well as a lower score (15.7%) regarding risk knowledge. Nurses and physicians had a high score (50%) regarding the risk of handling practices and a score of 57.1% regarding risk perception, indicating an increased perception of safety. Auxiliary caregivers had the highest global score (43.5%) and a score of 30.0% regarding handling practices.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified significant differences among healthcare workers depending on job categories in the antineoplastic drug handling practices and in the knowledge of the risks associated with occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs. These differences were particularly important between trained and untrained participants, revealing the importance of implementing a continuous training program.

Closed safety system for administration (CSSA): proposal for a new cytotoxic chemotherapy acronym

Exposure to cytotoxic chemotherapy can result in acute and chronic conditions including nausea, headaches, rashes, miscarriages, infertility and genetic aberrations. Surface contamination can occur during drug administration, and can subsequently spread throughout the healthcare environment. Dermal contact with contaminated surfaces can lead to drug absorption. Closed system drug-transfer devices (CSTDs) were initially developed to protect pharmacists during compounding. Components include a vial adapter to prevent pressurisation leakage and a syringe connector for transferring the drug to the intravenous infusion bag. Membrane-based CSTDs require a Luer adapter for drug administration whereas Luer system-based products do not. Most European nurses are familiar with needleless connectors. Unfortunately, these devices do not provide protection from chemotherapy exposure. To decrease confusion, CytoPrevent, a multi-national, primarily European organisation has proposed the term 'closed safety system for administration' (CSSA) for Luer based CSTDs. Along with education, the new term can help promote safety for nurses administering cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Impact of low- and high-risk operators handling irinotecan on the blood contamination of health care workers in oncology day care units

INTRODUCTION

Health care workers handling antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are at risk of mutagenicity and adverse reproductive effects. Despite protective equipment and AD handling guidelines, AD levels are still detected in caregivers in oncology units. This study attempted to assess blood contamination by irinotecan and its metabolites in all health care workers in oncology day hospital units according to activities specific to each employment category.

METHODS

The study was performed at two different hospitals: a university hospital and a comprehensive cancer centre. Forty-four participants were categorized according to their daily activity as a high-risk operator (29 nurses/ward aides and 5 cleaning staff) and a low-risk operator (7 doctors and 3 secretaries). The collected blood samples were subjected to UHPLC-MS/MS. The plasma and red blood cell (RBC) levels of irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38; APC) were determined using a validated analytical method detection test.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-four assay results were collected (132 plasma results and 132 RBC results). The comparison between low- and high-risk operator-contaminated workers was not significant (18.33% positive results in low-risk operators vs. 25.98% positive results in high-risk operators; P = 0.22). This homogeneity showed overall contamination within the unit. Positive results were obtained in 21.43% of physicians, 11.11% of secretaries, 25.86% of nurses/ward aides and 26.67% of cleaning staff. These results could be explained by the lack or failure of personal and collective protective equipment. A lack of protection and inadequate decontamination procedures can result in surface contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluated blood contamination with irinotecan and its metabolites in health care workers from day hospital care units. Among the 24.24% of contaminations observed in care units, the difference between low- and high-risk operator contamination was not significant (P = 0.22). The impact on blood contamination found is the same between low- and high-risk caregivers. This implies that the protective precautions associated with the handling of anticancer drugs must therefore be followed by all staff, including those believed to be at low risk of exposure.

A Critical Scoping Review of Pesticide Exposure Biomonitoring Studies in Overhead Cultures

The exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders to pesticides is of high potential concern. Yet, reports on pesticide residues in the environment and near treated fields often spark debates if such findings might indicate a health risk. Although the underlying models are considered conservative, there are only limited field data on systemic exposure available. As a first step to improve the situation, we conducted a scoping review of state-of-the-art pesticide exposure biomonitoring studies in operators, workers, residents or bystanders. In contrast to existing reviews, we focused on target cultures of potential high pesticide exposure such as tree-grown produce, vine or hops. The search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. Out of 17 eligible articles, a total of 11 studies met our search criteria, and 6 of them quantified the systemic exposure of humans. The analysis revealed that exposure was mainly driven by application of pesticides and reentry work, resulting in a higher exposure of operators and workers than of residents and bystanders. In nearly all cases, the systemic exposure was below the relevant toxicological reference values. The studies were subsequently analyzed to identify key criteria for a reliable design of a biomonitoring study on pesticide exposure.

Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs in Occupational Settings: A Systematic Review of Biological Monitoring Data

The high toxicity of antineoplastic drugs (ADs) makes them dangerous not only for patients, but also for exposed workers. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide an updated overview of the biological monitoring of occupational AD exposure in order to extrapolate information useful to improve risk assessment and management strategies in workplaces. Several studies demonstrated that remarkable portions of healthcare workers may have traces of these substances or their metabolites in biological fluids, although with some conflicting results. Nurses, directly engaged in AD handling, were the occupational category at higher risk of contamination, although, in some cases, personnel not involved in AD-related tasks also showed quantifiable internal doses. Overall, further research carried out on greater sample sizes appears necessary to gain deeper insight into the variability retrieved in the reported results. This may be important to understand the impact of the extent of ADs use, different handling, procedures, and cleaning practices, spill occurrence, training of the workforce, as well as the adoption of adequate collective and personal protective equipment in affecting the occupational exposure levels. This may support the achievement of the greatest clinical efficiency of such therapies while assuring the health and safety of involved workers.

Evaluation of three barrier-type closed system transfer devices using the 2015 NIOSH vapor containment performance draft protocol

Background

Closed System Transfer Devices (CSTD) have been developed to reduce healthcare worker exposure to hazardous drugs during medication handling. To evaluate CSTD performance in preventing the escape of drug vapors, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a 2015 draft testing protocol incorporating two compounding tasks utilizing 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a medication surrogate.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of three CSTDs (Chemolock [ICU Medical Inc., San Clemente, CA], PhaSeal [BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ], and Equashield [Equashield, Port Washington, NY]) in preventing the escape of drug vapor in accordance with the 2015 NIOSH draft protocol during simulated compounding and administration tasks.

Methods

The protocol was modified for the CSTDs to be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions for use and to represent clinical practice through repeated CSTD connections. Tasks were executed with each of the three CSTDs using 70% IPA as the medication surrogate to simulate compounding of a lyophilized drug, intravenous (IV) bag preparation (task 1), and bolus administration through an IV set (task 2). A positive control was performed by completing both tasks in duplicate, utilizing a needle and syringe instead of the CSTD to simulate preparation and injection through luer connectors. Differences in time to complete each simulated task was also evaluated.

Results

The three CSTDs had statistically equivalent performance and maintained IPA vapor levels below the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 ppm. Positive controls had mean vapor release of 17.40 ppm and 23.45 ppm for tasks 1 and 2, respectively. Positive controls also required statistically longer mean time to complete both tasks, followed in decreasing order by PhaSeal, Equashield, and Chemolock.

Conclusions

This study suggests that when evaluated in accordance with the 2015 NIOSH draft protocol, the three CSTDs are equivalent in their ability to prevent IPA vapor release while differences in time required for task completion may exist.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40267-022-00905-x.

Chromosome Aberrations in Lymphocytes of Patients Undergoing Radon Spa Therapy: An Explorative mFISH Study

In the present exploratory study, we aim to elucidate the action of radon in vivo and to assess the possible health risks. Chromosome aberrations were analyzed in lymphocytes of two patients (P1, P2) undergoing radon spa therapy in Bad Steben (Germany). Both patients, suffering from painful chronic degenerative disorders of the spine and joints, received nine baths (1.2 kBq/L at 34 °C) over a 3-week period. Chromosome aberrations were analyzed before and 6, 12 and 30 weeks after the start of therapy using the high-resolution multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) technique. For comparison, the lymphocytes from two healthy donors (HD1, HD2) were examined. P1 had a higher baseline aberration frequency than P2 and both healthy donors (5.3 ± 1.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8, 1.4 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.1 aberrations/100 analyzed metaphases, respectively). Complex aberrations, biomarkers of densely ionizing radiation, were found in P1, P2 and HD1. Neither the aberration frequency nor the fraction of complex aberrations increased after radon spa treatment, i.e., based on biological dosimetry, no increased health risk was found. It is worth noting that a detailed breakpoint analysis revealed potentially clonal aberrations in both patients. Altogether, our data show pronounced inter-individual differences with respect to the number and types of aberrations, complicating the risk analysis of low doses such as those received during radon therapy.

Defining cytotoxic drugs - you know it when you see it?

Safe handling precautions are an important measure used to prevent occupational exposure to hazardous antineoplastic drugs. Historically, the terms 'antineoplastic', 'chemotherapy' and 'cytotoxic' are frequently conflated. However, many current antineoplastic drugs do not have cytotoxic mechanisms of actions, leading to confusion when developing safe handling policies. Based on the mechanistic criteria outlined in this review, we have compiled a list of the most commonly used antineoplastic drugs with their cytotoxic or non-cytotoxic designations. We propose that this list can be used when discussing drug-specific safe handling precaution measures.

Helping to protect cancer nurses from exposure to hazardous drugs

Freelance medical writer Christine Clark (chris@salt.u-net.com) reports on an online meeting held in April 2021 on protecting nursing staff working in oncology from exposure to hazardous drugs.

Infantile neuroblastoma and maternal occupational exposure to medical agents

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers are often exposed to hazardous agents and are at risk for adverse health consequences that affect not only themselves but also their infants. This study aimed to examine whether such occupational exposure increased the risk of childhood cancer in offspring.

METHODS

We used the dataset of the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide birth cohort involving over 100,000 mother-child pairs. Information was obtained via successive questionnaires that were completed until the child turned 1 year of age. The parents were asked whether they occupationally handled medical agents during pregnancy.

RESULTS

A total of 26 infants developed neoplasms: neuroblastoma, leukemia, and brain tumor. The incidence of neuroblastoma was significantly higher in infants whose mothers were exposed to radiation (3/2142: 140.1 per 100,000 population) than in those who were not (12/90,384: 13.3 per 100,000 population). Multivariable regression analyses revealed a close association between maternal irradiation and the development of neuroblastoma (adjusted incident rate ratio: 10.68 [95% confidence interval: 2.98‒38.27]).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated, for the first time, a potential association between maternal occupational exposure and the occurrence of neuroblastoma in offspring. Further studies involving the large pediatric cancer registries are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

IMPACT

Healthcare workers are often exposed to hazardous agents and are at risk for adverse health consequences that affect not only themselves but also their infants. This study examined the association between such occupational exposure and offspring's cancers that developed until the age of 1 year. Maternal exposure to ionizing radiation was associated with infantile neuroblastoma in offspring. Further studies involving the large pediatric cancer registries are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Cytostatics in Indoor Environment: An Update of Analytical Methods

Periodic and adequate environmental monitoring programs are crucial to assess and reduce the occupational exposure of healthcare workers to cytostatics. The analytical methods employed should be rapid, reliable, sensitive, standardized, and include multiple compounds. A critical overview of recent overall procedures for surface and air contamination with cytostatics in workplace settings is presented, with a focus on sampling, sample preparation, and instrumental considerations. Limitations are also addressed and some recommendations and advice are provided. Since dermal absorption is the main exposure route, surface contamination is the preferred indicator of biological uptake and its methods have significantly improved. In contrast, cytostatics’ inhalation is rare; thus, air contamination has been poorly studied, with little improvement. Still, some elements of the analytical methods have not been extensively explored, namely: the amount of wetting solution, the extraction procedure, surface chemistry and roughness, recovery studies from specific surfaces, and cytostatics stability (in surfaces and during shipping and storage). Furthermore, complete validation data (including precision, accuracy, and instrumental and method detection limits) and estimation of global uncertainty are still lacking in most studies, thus preventing method comparison and proposal of standardized procedures.

Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs in Home Infusion

Chemotherapy agents used for cancer treatment are considered hazardous drugs (HDs). Guidelines and standards for handling HDs have been in place for several decades to protect oncology nurses working in hospitals and outpatient infusion areas. However, chemotherapy is frequently being administered in home settings, often by infusion nurses who do not necessarily have the requisite knowledge and training. Providing appropriate education for home infusion nurses is key to ensuring they are practicing in a manner that minimizes potential exposure to HDs.

Blood contamination of the pharmaceutical staff by irinotecan and its two major metabolites inside and outside a compounding unit

BACKGROUND

Caregivers in healthcare settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination which can lead to adverse health effects. Biological monitoring is necessary to estimate the actual level of exposure of these workers. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing blood contamination levels by irinotecan and its metabolites of pharmaceutical staff operating inside and outside a compounding unit.

METHODS

The study took place within the pharmaceutical unit of a French comprehensive cancer centre. Blood samples were collected from the pharmacy workers operating inside and outside the compounding unit, and analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS. Plasma and red blood cell irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38; APC) were determined with a validated analytical method detection test.

RESULTS

A total of 17/78 (21.8%) plasma and red blood cell-based assays were found to be contaminated among staff. Overall, the total number of positive assays was significantly higher for staff members working outside the compounding unit than for workers working inside it (P = 0.022), with respectively 5/42 (11.9%) and 12/36 (33.3%) positive assays. For plasma dosages, the "outside" group had a significantly higher number of positive assays (P = 0.014). For red blood cell-based assays, no significant difference was found (P = 0.309).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that pharmaceutical staff serving in health care settings are exposed to a risk of antineoplastic drug contamination, not only inside the compounding room but also in adjacent rooms. The results would help to raise awareness and potentially establish protective measures for caregivers working in areas close to the compounding room as well.

Occupational exposure assessment in professionals who manipulate and administer antineoplastic drugs in a university hospital in Southern Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Our goal was to demonstrate the effects of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs on oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage in health professionals who manipulate and administer antineoplastic drugs in a University Hospital in Southern Brazil.

METHODS

The case-control study with a longitudinal design, involved 64 individuals, 29 of them pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and nurses who were occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs and 35 professionals who were not exposed. Gene mutations were determined by micronucleus from salivary fluid; DNA damage by comet assay and oxidative stress parameters in whole blood were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs used personal protective equipment (PPE). It was demonstrated that the total nonprotein thiol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels showed interaction between group and time, with higher levels one week after handling/administration of antineoplastic drugs in the exposed group (GEE, p ≤ 0.0001 and p = 0,013, respectively). Additionally, there was a group effect on the activities of the catalase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzymes (GEE, p = 0.027 and p ≤ 0.0001, respectively), and workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs had higher enzyme activities compared to those not exposed. No genotoxic damage was demonstrated through the evaluated parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the correct use of PPE, professionals occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs were more susceptible to oxidative stress than those not exposed. The evaluation of the studied parameters is especially important for the definition of conducts and practices in the area, always in search of guaranteeing the establishment of a rational policy to protect workers' health.

Surface contamination with nine antineoplastic drugs in 109 canadian centers; 10 years of a monitoring program

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare workers exposure to antineoplastic drugs can lead to adverse health effects. Guidelines promote the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs, but no safe exposure limit was determined. Regular surface sampling contributes to ensuring workers safety.

METHODS

A cross-sectional monitoring is conducted once a year with voluntary Canadian centers, since 2010. Twelve standardized sampling sites were sampled. Samples were analyzed by high performance mass coupled liquid chromatography. The limits of detection (in ng/cm²) were: 0.001 for cyclophosphamide and gemcitabine; 0.3 for docetaxel and ifosfamide; 0.04 for 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel; 0.003 for irinotecan; 0.002 for methotrexate; 0.01 for vinorelbine.

RESULTS

The surfaces from 109 centers were sampled between 01/01/2020-18/06/2020. Twenty-six centers delayed their participation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1217 samples were analyzed. Surfaces were frequently contaminated with cyclophosphamide (34% positive, 75th percentile 0.00165 ng/cm²) and gemcitabine (16% and <0.001 ng/cm²). The armrest of patient treatment chairs (84% to at least one drug), the front grille inside the biological safety cabinet (BSC) (73%) and the floor in front of the BSC (55%) were frequently contaminated. Centers that prepared ≥5000 antineoplastic drugs annually had higher concentration of cyclophosphamide on their surfaces (p < 0.0001). Contamination measured on the surfaces was reduced from 2010 to 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This large-scale study showed reproducible long term follow up of the contamination of standardized sites of Canadian centers and a reduction in surface contamination from 2010 to 2020. Periodic surface sampling help centers meet their continuous improvements goals to reduce exposure as much as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on the program.

Dietary exposure to mercury and its relation to cytogenetic instability in populations from "La Mojana" region, northern Colombia

Fish consumption and chronic exposure to low doses of mercury (Hg) seems to activate several molecular mechanisms leading to carcinogenic and/or teratogenic processes. However, Hg genotoxic effects on humans are not completely described. In the present study, we assessed cytogenetic damage in isolated human peripheral lymphocytes using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN-Cyt), micronucleus formation with anti-kinetochore antibody (CREST staining), levels of total Hg in hair (T-Hg), fish consumption, and estimated Hg dose. The study comprised 39 non-exposed, and 73 residents from La Mojana region, an area with a well-documented Hg contamination. Data showed a significant increase in micronuclei (MNBN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), and necrotic and apoptotic cell frequencies in residents of "La Mojana." The overall mean T-Hg level in hair for exposed residents was 1.12 ± 0.94 mg kg^-1 and 0.15 ± 0.05 in individuals from the reference area. Approximately 40% of analyzed individuals showed T-Hg levels that exceeded US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reference dose. Increased T-Hg levels in hair were related to increased MNBN frequencies and high fish consumption. Other cellular markers, such as necrotic and apoptotic cell frequencies, were also correlated with high fish intake and T-Hg contents. Results of the CREST staining demonstrated that in vivo exposure to Hg induces genetic instability by chromosome fragment loss (clastogenic). Additionally, a high average intake of some fish species, particularly with carnivorous habits like Caquetaia kraussii, Hoplias malabaricus, and Sorubin cuspicaudus, seems to increase MNBN frequencies significantly.

Use of a closed-system drug transfer device reduces contamination with doxorubicin during bolus injection

BACKGROUND

Administration of doxorubicin via bolus injection may result in environmental contamination and a risk of nurses becoming exposed. Small spills are frequently observed by nurses when syringes are connected to, and disconnected from, infusion lines.

AIMS

The effect of a closed-system drug transfer device (CSTD) on the release of doxorubicin was studied during administration via bolus injections.

METHODS

10 administrations with the currently used technique and 10 administrations using the CSTD were compared by analysis of doxorubicin contamination on gauze pads, tissues and gloves.

FINDINGS

Using the current technique, contamination was found during nine administrations, which was mainly on the gauze pads and, to a lesser extent, on the tissues and gloves, indicating release of doxorubicin during administration. With use of the CSTD, contamination was found only on one pair of gloves.

CONCLUSION

Use of a CSTD significantly decreased the number of spills and level of contamination compared with the currently used technique and, consequently, the use of such devices offers a safer working environment for nurses.

USP General Chapter <800>: Considerations for Oncology Nursing Practice

OBJECTIVES

To describe the nurse leader's role in implementing the hazardous drug safe-handling standards from USP General Chapter <800> that are most relevant to oncology nursing practice, and to provide strategies for reducing nurses' exposure to hazardous drugs.

DATA SOURCES

Published literature indexed in PubMed, CINAHL, textbooks, and clinical expertise.

CONCLUSION

Nurse leaders are essential to promoting a safe environment for nurses handling hazardous cancer drugs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Several barriers and challenges to handling hazardous drugs exist and must be overcome before oncology nurses' exposure can be reduced.