Assessing Antineoplastic Drug Exposure in Health Care Workers: A Novel Biomonitoring Approach
Project Overview
The Biomonitoring Hazardous Drug Exposure (BioEx-HD) project is a research endeavor funded by the Canadian Cancer Society to investigate the effects of antineoplastic drug (AD) exposure among healthcare workers.
Antineoplastic drugs are important cancer medications used in both human and veterinary medicine. They are crucial for improving and saving the lives of cancer patients. However, routine AD preparation and handling on a daily basis by healthcare workers (such as pharmacists, nurses, and veterinarians) can pose risks. Even when handled carefully, AD can be left behind on work surfaces at very low levels from small spills or aerosolization during preparation, or be absorbed through the skin. Over time, repeated exposure to these drugs has been shown to cause adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
Through this study, researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Minnesota will collaborate to measure the uptake of AD contaminants by healthcare workers. Rather than measuring only surface contamination, this study directly measures biological markers inside the body, providing a clearer picture of worker exposure.
Concerns Addressed
As antineoplastic drugs are increasingly utilized for the treatment of both humans and other animals, AD exposure is a growing occupational health concern. In Canada alone, approximately 79,000 workers are exposed to AD at their workplace. This includes pharmacists, nurses, and veterinary professionals, as well as environmental services and cleaning staff. Studies have shown that occupational AD exposure is linked to adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer and reproductive health outcomes. Although safety guidelines are in place, current monitoring methods may not fully measure how drug exposure enters and affects the body.
Study Approach
The study will analyze:
- Blood and urine samples, collected at two separate timepoints to assess exposure over time
The presence of one common AD will be evaluated:
- Cyclophosphamide
Finally, researchers will measure DNA adducts, which are biomarkers of DNA damage caused by these drugs.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of BioEx-HD is to use a novel biomonitoring approach to understand exposure and the resulting biological effects of low-level AD exposure. Specifically, the study aims to:
- Quantify antineoplastic drugs and their metabolites in blood and urine of healthcare professionals
- Examine how levels of biological contamination and DNA damage vary with changing environment (type of facility, amount of drugs handled, etc.)
- Improve understanding of long-term health risks to healthcare workers
Funders and Stakeholders
This research is supported by a Workplace Cancer Research Grant from the Canadian Cancer Society, and is a collaboration between the University of British Columbia and the University of Minnesota.
Project Impact
Findings from this study will contribute to:
- Improved occupational safety standards
- Enhanced exposure monitoring methods
- Evidence-based guidelines to protect healthcare workers who handle hazardous drugs on a regular basis