Genotoxicity Assessment in Occupational Health Personnel Exposed to Cytostatic Drugs in a Peruvian Hospital
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The use of cytostatic drugs for cancer treatment is currently the main weapon in the fight against cancer; however, prolonged exposure of healthcare personnel can cause adverse toxic effects. Objective: To determine the genotoxicity caused by exposure to cytostatic drugs, using the comet assay, in workers in the oncology department of a tertiary hospital in northern Peru. Methodology: Descriptive, quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional study. The population consisted of two groups of workers: exposed (n = 40) and unexposed (n = 40). The alkaline lysis comet DNA technique was used on peripheral blood cells; tailing moment and tailing percentage indicators were evaluated. Results: Using nonparametric tests, the percentage and tail moment showed no significant differences, with p values of 0.8928 and 0.4675, respectively. The distribution observed in the group exposed to cytostatic drugs (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) compared to the control group showed a normal distribution, with a tail moment of 8.29 vs. 3.03 and a percentage of tail of 37.12 vs. 23.24, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the tail moment variable was 11.56% greater in the group of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (p = 0.0119) compared to the other participants. Conclusions: Although no significant difference was found, a trend toward a higher percentage and tail moment was observed in the group exposed to cytostatic drugs. Furthermore, the group of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, compared to the other professions, showed significantly greater damage.
Source: Genes
Institution: Universidad César Vallejo
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7147277878
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: