Extent of Primary DNA Damage Measured by the Comet Assay in Health Professionals Exposed to Antineoplastic Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vincenza Gianfredi, Daniele Nucci, Cristina Fatigoni, Tania Salvatori, Milena Villarini and Massimo Moretti
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Vincenza Gianfredi: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy
Daniele Nucci: Digestive Endoscopy Unit, IRCCS Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
Cristina Fatigoni: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy
Tania Salvatori: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy
Milena Villarini: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy
Massimo Moretti: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Unit of Public Health), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-21

Abstract: Background: Antineoplastic drugs (ANDs) are a broad group of chemicals showing, at the same time, carcinogenic effects. The potential, albeit true, risk of side effects cannot be accepted, especially if resulting from occupational exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between occupational exposure to ANDs and the extent of primary DNA damage in health professionals. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus were used to perform the literature search. The databases were examined in July 2019. Sub-group, moderator, and cumulative analyses were conducted. The trim and fill method was used in the case of potential publication bias. Results: Twenty studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 19 in quantitative evaluation. The pooled effect size was 1.27 [(95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66–1.88), p = 0.000] based on 1569 subjects. The moderator analysis by duration of exposure showed a positive association between duration of exposure and primary DNA damage. Conclusions: This systematic review clearly shows a significant association between occupational exposure to ANDs and the extent of primary DNA damage in health professionals. Considering these results, health professionals should be warned against this potential occupational risk.

Keywords: comet assay; single-cell gel-electrophoresis; antineoplastic drugs; occupational exposure; health personnel (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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