Constitutional mutations of cancer susceptibility genes in the health workers professionally exposed to cytostatic drugs

Hanna Janiszewska ,Maria Pilarska ,Aneta Bąk ,Krzysztof Szmyd ,Anna Junkiert-Czarnecka ,Marta Schab ,Olga Haus

doi:10.1186/1897-4287-9-s2-a2

Abstract

Background Many studies on the genetic background of common neoplastic diseases indicate that they may be the result of hereditary mutations in cancer susceptibility genes, such as BRCA1, CHEK2, CDKN2A, NOD2, NBS1. The cancer occurrence in genetically predisposed mutation carriers may be a matter of life expectancy, efficiency of the immunological system, and cumulative action of toxic environmental agents. Most cytostatic drugs used in the treatment of cancers in oncological wards have mutagenic and carcinogenic activity. The exposure to them is difficult to avoid by the medical staff in their daily work during preparation and administration of drugs as well as during the contact with patients (physical examination, nursing care).

Highlights

Many studies on the genetic background of common neoplastic diseases indicate that they may be the result of hereditary mutations in cancer susceptibility genes, such as BRCA1, CHEK2, CDKN2A, NOD2, NBS1
A constitutional mutation was found in 24% persons: NOD2(3020insC) in 10.7%, CDKN2A(A148T) in 6.7%, CHEK2(I157T) in 5.3%, and CHEK2(IVS2+1G®A) in 1.3%
The frequency of NOD2(3020insC), CDKN2A (A148T), CHEK2(I157T) and CHEK2(IVS2 1®G) was significantly higher than in general Polish population (10.7% vs. 7.3%; 6.7% vs. 3.5%; 5.3% vs. 4.8% and 1.3% vs. 0.48%, respectively)

Summary

Introduction

Constitutional mutations of cancer susceptibility genes in the health workers professionally exposed to cytostatic drugs Background Many studies on the genetic background of common neoplastic diseases indicate that they may be the result of hereditary mutations in cancer susceptibility genes, such as BRCA1, CHEK2, CDKN2A, NOD2, NBS1. Most cytostatic drugs used in the treatment of cancers in oncological wards have mutagenic and carcinogenic activity.

Results

Conclusion