Paclitaxel exposure and its effective decontamination

Abstract

Background: Apart from generic guidelines for the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs in pharmacy departments, there is no specific published literature pertaining to cleaning procedures and inadvertent exposure to paclitaxel. Aim: To examine occupational exposure to paclitaxel; to identify an effective decontamination reagent; and to determine suitable glove type for skin protection. Method: 8 decontamination reagents were tested for paclitaxel degradation. Air sampling filters, Ghost Wipes and cotton wipes were tested under different storage conditions (room temperature, ≤4°C) for 3 days. Disposable latex and nitrile gloves were tested for paclitaxel permeation using a one-inch ASTM standard test cell. Environmental (airborne and surface) monitoring was carried out in the cytotoxic compounding and work areas. High performance liquid chromatography and photo-ionisation detector were used for sample analysis and glove permeation tests, respectively. Results: Isopropanol 50% and ethanol 60% demonstrated the least degradation (< 2%) of paclitaxel in 80 minutes. Sodium hypochlorite 0.5% w/v showed the greatest degradation (> 99%) of paclitaxel in 20 minutes. Sample wipes should be stored at ≤4°C until analysis. Paclitaxel and sodium hypochlorite 0.5% w/v did not permeate through the latex and nitrile gloves after 4 hours of continuous exposure. No paclitaxel was detected in airborne and surface wipe samples. Conclusion: No detectable paclitaxel was measured within the cytotoxic compounding area. Sodium hypochlorite 0.5% w/v is a suitable decontamination reagent for paclitaxel surface contamination. Wearing either latex or nitrile gloves can prevent contamination when handling paclitaxel.