Lack of genotoxicity in medical oncology nurses handling antineoplastic drugs: Effect of work environment and protective equipment

Abstract

Objective: In this study we aimed to investigate the genotoxic effects of antineoplastic agents in occupationaly exposed oncology nurses. Genotoxic effects mean the disruptive effects in the integrity of DNA and they are associated with cancer development. Biomonitoring of health care workers handling antineoplastic agents is helpful for the evaluation of exposure to cytostatics.

Participants: The study included an exposed and two control groups. The exposed group (n = 9) was comprised of oncology nurses. The first (n = 9) and second (n = 10) control groups were comprised of subjects who did not come into contact with antineoplastic drugs working respectively in the same department with oncology nurses and in different departments.

Methods: Genotoxicity evaluation was performed using SCE analysis. After applying culture, harvest and chromosome staining procedures, a total of 25 metaphases were analyzed per person. Kruskal Wallis test was used to perform statistical analysis.

Result: A statistically significant difference of sister chromatid exchange frequencies was not observed between the exposed and control groups.

Conclusion: Lack of genotoxicity in medical oncology nurses might be due to good working conditions with high standards of technical equipment and improved personal protection.