Assessing the health risks and efficacy of protective measures in health care workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs

Abstract

Abstract Background Antineoplastic drugs are important drugs for cancer treatment, targeting rapidly dividing neoplastic cells. Despite their effectiveness, their cytotoxic nature also effects rapidly dividing normal cells, resulting in adverse health effects. Both acute and long-term health effects are observed in healthcare workers that are involved in preparation, administration and disposal of antineoplastic drugs, these health effects could be reproductive toxicity, organ damage and increased risk of developing various cancers. Even though there are protective measures and guidelines, exposure to antineoplastic drugs still remains a crucial health concern. Hypothesis Healthcare workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs experience major health risks, including acute and long-term complications. The use of protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, and administrative protocols decreases but does not eradicate the risks because of gaps in compliance, training and implementation. Aim The aim of this review is to contribute a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare workers health risks caused by exposure to antineoplastic drugs and to assess the effectiveness of present protective measures. Furthermore, it seeks analyze economic considerations, knowledge gaps and compliance barriers that are related to the implementation of safety protocols in healthcare settings. Materials and methods A literature review approach was used to analyze peer-reviewed research, official guidelines and systematic studies on occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs. Health risks, protective measures, economic impacts and barriers to implementation was the focus. Conclusion Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs can cause both acute health effects and long- term effects such as reproductive toxicity and increased risk of cancer. Protective measures including personal protective equipment, administrative protocols and engineering controls decrease the risk but due to bad compliance, training and education it’s not correctly 2 implemented. By implementing strong regulations, training and support together with better health surveillance, the work environment will be safer.