OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of "signature" chromosomal abnormalities in oncology workers handling anticancer drugs. METHODS: Peripheral blood from health care personnel (N = 109) was examined with probes for targets on chromosomes 5, 7, and 11. The effect of drug-handling frequency on chromosome abnormalities was assessed. RESULTS: An excess of structural (0.18 vs 0.02; P = 0.04) and total abnormalities (0.29 vs 0.04; P = 0.01) of chromosome 5 was observed in the high-exposure group compared with the unexposed. Increased incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for abnormalities of chromosome 5 (IRR = 1.24; P = 0.01) and for either chromosome 5 or 7 (IRR = 1.20; P = 0.01) were obtained at 100 handling events. Effect sizes were augmented 2- to 4-fold when alkylating agent handling alone was considered. CONCLUSIONS: Biologically important exposure to genotoxic drugs is apparently occurring in oncology work settings despite reported use of safety practices.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of "signature" chromosomal abnormalities in oncology workers handling anticancer drugs. METHODS: Peripheral blood from health care personnel (N = 109) was examined with probes for targets on chromosomes 5, 7, and 11. The effect of drug-handling frequency on chromosome abnormalities was assessed. RESULTS: An excess of structural (0.18 vs 0.02; P = 0.04) and total abnormalities (0.29 vs 0.04; P = 0.01) of chromosome 5 was observed in the high-exposure group compared with the unexposed. Increased incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for abnormalities of chromosome 5 (IRR = 1.24; P = 0.01) and for either chromosome 5 or 7 (IRR = 1.20; P = 0.01) were obtained at 100 handling events. Effect sizes were augmented 2- to 4-fold when alkylating agent handling alone was considered. CONCLUSIONS: Biologically important exposure to genotoxic drugs is apparently occurring in oncology work settings despite reported use of safety practices.
Authors: Andrew C Seger; William W Churchill; Carol A Keohane; Caryn D Belisle; Stephanie T Wong; Katelyn W Sylvester; Megan A Chesnick; Elisabeth Burdick; Matt F Wien; Michael C Cotugno; David W Bates; Jeffrey M Rothschild Journal: J Oncol Pract Date: 2012-09-25 Impact factor: 3.840
Authors: Chun-Yip Hon; Kay Teschke; Hui Shen; Paul A Demers; Scott Venners Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2015-01-28 Impact factor: 3.015