Occupational exposure of anticancer agents during their preparation has been recognized as a serious hazard. Closed system drug transfer devices (CSTDs) enable “safe” preparation of agents for medical personnel and ensure a safe hospital environment. However, artificial particles of infusion materials have been reported during CSTD use. Here, the incidence of insoluble fine particles during preparation of anticancer agents using CSTDs was examined. Visible insoluble fine particles were found in 465 (9.4%) of 4,948 treatment cases at Ehime University Hospital with CSTD use. Contaminants occurred more frequently during preparation of monoclonal antibodies than cytotoxic anticancer agents (19.4% versus 4.1%, respectively, P<0.01). A similar survey was conducted at nine hospitals to investigate the incidence of insoluble fine particles with or without CSTDs. Insoluble fine particles were detected in 113 (15.4%) of 732 treatment cases during preparation of monoclonal antibodies with CSTD use. In contrast, the occurrence of insoluble fine particles without CSTDs was found in only 3 (0.073%) of 4,113 treatment cases. Contamination with CSTDs might cause harmful effects on patients 4 during cancer therapy. We strongly recommend the use of in-line filters combined with infusion routes after CSTD use to avoid contamination-associated adverse events.
In order to extend the possible use of the microwave tissue coagulation (MTC) in the liver tumor, macroscopic and histological changes in thigh muscle of the pig after microwave irradiation using a new type needle electrode of that size was 21 gauge was examined in this study. The needle-electrode of MTC was introduced into the center of the muscle under the guide of the ultra sonography and MTC was performed at the out put of 20 watts for 30 seconds size when it was irradiated continuously ten times, and was oval shaped. The coagulation area was changed necrosis strongly stained with hematoxylin. Internal echo pattern of the coagulation area of the MTC was changed heterogeneously surrounded with low echoic region. Thus, the result suggests that this new type needle-electrode is effective in the small liver tumor at the bed side treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.