title: Lack of genotoxicity in medical oncology nurses handling antineoplastic drugs: effect of work environment and protective equipment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study we aimed to investigate the genotoxic effects of antineoplastic agents in occupationally exposed oncology nurses. Genotoxic effects mean the disruptive effects in the integrity of DNA and they are associated with cancer development. Biomonitoring of health care workers handling antineoplastic agents is helpful for the evaluation of exposure to cytostatics.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included an exposed and two control groups. The exposed group (n=9) was comprised of oncology nurses. The first (n=9) and second (n=10) control groups were comprised of subjects who did not come into contact with antineoplastic drugs working respectively in the same department with oncology nurses and in different departments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Genotoxicity evaluation was performed using SCE analysis. After applying culture, harvest and chromosome staining procedures, a total of 25 metaphases were analyzed per person. Kruskal Wallis test was used to perform statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant difference of sister chromatid exchange frequencies was not observed between the exposed and control groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lack of genotoxicity in medical oncology nurses might be due to good working conditions with high standards of technical equipment and improved personal protection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey. tunag@uludag.edu.tr
authors.forename: Tuna
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gulten
authors.forename: Elif
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Evke
authors.forename: Ilker
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ercan
authors.forename: Turkkan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Evrensel
authors.forename: Ender
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kurt
authors.forename: Osman
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Manavoglu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011481:Protective Clothing; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange; D014691:Ventilation; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents