Chromosomal aberrations among Filipino health workers at the chemotherapy oncology wards/ clinics of a tertiary government hospital

• Main Authors: Ngelangel, Corazon A., Timbol, Karen Villanueva-, Fuerte, Fatima G., Tiangco, Beatrice J., Tanael, Susano B., Enriquez, Ma. Luisa D.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2014
• Subjects: Chromosome abnormalities; Biochemical markers; Medical personnel—Health risk assessment > Philippines; Oncology; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/2622
• Institution: De La Salle University

Introduction. Chromosomal mutations are causal events in neoplasia development. Biomarker cytogenetic assays can determine exposure to mutagenic agents in occupational settings. This study assessed early biological marker chromosomal aberrations among health workers in the chemotherapy oncology wards/ clinics, exploring its association to the subjects' occupational, environmental and baseline profile. Methods. This was an IRB approved cross-sectional exploratory study among hospital personnel working in the chemotherapy oncology facility of a tertiary government hospital, who underwent structured interview and blood extraction for cytogenetic assay after informed consent. Study funds only permitted assay of 44 specimens of 144 planned sample size, hence, Stata 6.0 only analyzed data from 44 subjects. Results. All 44 subjects had varying exposure to chemotherapy drug infusions. Of these, 79% had 1.0 breaks per cell (hypersensitive). Predominantly chromatid breaks (CTB), chromatid gaps (CTG), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were seen. No significant association was shown between mutagenic sensitivity and baseline characteristics, but with small sample size. Conclusion. 21% borderline to hypersensitive mutagenic sensitivity among oncology workers at the tertiary government hospital is relatively significant, despite small sample size, connoting a must preventive promotive practice of chemotherapy administration in the workplace.