2020 Volume 57 Issue 3 Pages 251-256
Until the 1990s, anticancer drugs were handled similarly to nonhazardous drugs, i.e., without the use of special protective tools. However, many reports have shown the harmful effects of exposure to anticancer drugs on medical staff who handle them. This led to the establishment of guidelines for the safe handling of these drugs. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the occupational exposure to anticancer drugs and the guidelines to be followed to minimize or avoid this exposure. Exposure to anticancer drugs causes various toxicities in the human body. They are classified into acute toxicities, which include dermatitis and headache, and chronic toxicities, which include carcinogenesis and teratogenicity. The exposure routes are transdermal, inhalation, oral, and direct exposure into the tissue by accidental needle pricks. There is a risk of exposure during all procedures involved in anticancer drugs, such as during preparation, dispensing, transportation, administration, post-administration, and treatment. Therefore, both the medical staff who directly handle anticancer drugs and nonmedical personnel such as cleaners, caregivers, and families are at risk of exposure. Measures to prevent exposure generally involve the introduction of closed connection devices, utilization of a safety cabinet, management of working hours, and wearing gowns, masks, goggles, and gloves. Additionally, a spill kit, which is composed of cleaning equipment, is used when environmental exposure occurs. It is also important to establish an operation procedure in advance and disseminate this information to all staff members. The risk of exposure to anticancer drugs can be reduced by accurate knowledge of their exposure routes and toxicities, and the implementation of safe handling measures.
