Antineoplastic Drugs: Occupational Exposure and Side Effects

Due to their adverse effects, antineoplastic drugs (cancer chemotherapy drugs) are considered as a potential health risk for nurses and nursing assistants. The aim of this study was to review and summarise information about acute side effects of antineoplastic drugs in two major cancer centres in Latvia. In total 51 nurses and nursing assistants participated in the study, all working in chemotherapy ward at least for 12 months. The research was conducted in Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and Rīga East University Hospital, Oncology Centre of Latvia. 56.86% of respondents reported at least one side effect since working in the department of chemotherapy (DC). Headache was the most common acute side effect (37.25%), followed by irritation of eyes (25.49%) and irritation of skin (19. 60%). Headache (p = 0.021), dizziness (p = 0.018), irritation of mouth and throat (p = 0.043), and irritation of eyes (p = 0.004) had statistically significant positive association with years of working in DC, suggesting that those working for longer time in DC are more likely to have headache, dizziness, irritation of mouth, throat and eyes.