Meta-analysis of chromosomal aberrations as a biomarker of exposure in healthcare workers occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2017Source: Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation ResearchAuthor(s): Christine Roussel, Kristine L. Witt, Peter B. Shaw, Thomas H. ConnorAbstractMany antineoplastic drugs used to treat cancer, particularly alkylating agents and topoisomerase inhibitors, are known to induce genetic damage in patients. Elevated levels of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei, and DNA damage have been documented in cancer patients. Elevations in these same biomarkers of genetic damage have been reported in numerous studies of healthcare workers, such as nurses and pharmacists, who routinely handle these drugs, but results vary across studies. To obtain an overall assessment of the exposure effect, we performed a meta-analysis on data obtained from peer-reviewed publications reporting chromosomal aberration levels in healthcare workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs. A literature search identified 39 studies reporting on occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs and measurement of chromosomal aberrations in healthcare workers. After applying strict inclusion criteria for data quality and presentation, data from 17 studies included in 16 publications underwent meta-analysis using Hedges’ bias-corrected g and a random-effects model. Results showed the level of chromosomal aberrations in healthcare workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs was significantly higher than in controls. The standardized mean differences (difference of means divided by with...
Source: Mutation Research Reviews in Mutation Research - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research