Review article
https://doi.org/10.2478/10004-1254-61-2010-2025
Antineoplastic Drugs as a Potential Risk Factor in Occupational Settings: Mechanisms of Action at the Cell Level, Genotoxic Effects, and Their Detection Using Different Biomarkers
Nevenka Kopjar
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i mediicnu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Davor Želježić
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i mediicnu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Vilena Kašuba
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i mediicnu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ružica Rozgaj
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i mediicnu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
This article brings an overview of the mechanisms of action of antineoplastic drugs used in the clinical setting. It also describes the genotoxic potentials of the most important classes of antineoplastic drugs involved in standard chemotherapy protocols. Classifi cation of antineoplastic drugs according to the IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans is accompanied by data on their mutagenicity and the most recent updates in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classifi cation System. We report the main fi ndings of biomonitoring studies that were conducted in exposed healthcare workers all over the world between 1980 and 2009 using four biomarkers: sister chromatid exchanges,
chromosome aberrations, micronuclei. and the comet assay. The methods are briefl y explained and their advantages and disadvantages discussed. Biomarkers provide important information on individual genome sensitivity, which eventually might help to improve current working practices and to manage the risks
related with exposure to genotoxic agents. Taking into consideration all known advantages and drawbacks of the existing cytogenetic methods, the micronucleus assay, which is able to detect both clastogenic and aneugenic action, is the most suitable biomarker for assessing harmful effects of antineoplastic drugs currently used in health care.
Keywords
chromosome aberrations; comet assay; DNA; micronuclei; sister chromatid exchanges
Hrčak ID:
49026
URI
Publication date:
17.3.2010.
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