Modification of Interleukin‐15 Serum Levels in Workers Exposed to Chemotherapeutic Agents

Giovanna Spatari,Paola Lucia Minciullo,Anna Cacciola,Giuseppe Di Pasquale,Elvira Ventura-Spagnolo,Sebastiano Gangemi,Concettina Fenga

doi:10.1155/mi.2005.60

Abstract

Cytostatic anticancer drugs are known as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic risk factors for health care workers occupationally exposed. It has been demonstrated that the administration of interleukin-15 in rat models of colon carcinoma protects against chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicities. We found that occupational exposure to chemotherapeutic antiblastic agents in vivo modified circulating levels of interleukin-15 in 17 health care workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs in relation to their jobs and in as many healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. Health care workers displayed significantly higher circulating interleukin-15 levels compared to their age-matched controls. If this increase representing an anticancer response remains to be established, these findings strengthen the idea of a therapeutic use of interleukin-15 in the field of cancer.

Highlights

It has been demonstrated that the administration of interleukin-15 in rat models of colon carcinoma protects against chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicities
We found that occupational exposure to chemotherapeutic antiblastic agents in vivo modified circulating levels of interleukin-15 in 17 health care workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs in relation to their jobs and in as many healthy age- and sex-matched subjects
Cytostatic anticancer drugs are known as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic risk factors for health care workers who are occupationally exposed during preparation and management of such drugs, absorbing these substances mainly through inhalation or dermal contact

Summary

Introduction

Cytostatic anticancer drugs are known as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic risk factors for health care workers who are occupationally exposed during preparation and management of such drugs, absorbing these substances mainly through inhalation or dermal contact. Cytostatic anticancer drugs are known as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic risk factors for health care workers occupationally exposed.

Results

Conclusion