Development and validation of a multicompound LLE-LC-MS/MS method for biomonitoring of hazardous medicinal products in urine of exposed workers

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Maria Francisca Cunha (Author) Other; Arminda Alves (Author) FEUP; Ana Rita L. T. Ribeiro (Author) FEUP; Adrián M. T. Silva (Author) FEUP; Pedro Norton (Author) Other; Mónica Santos (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Toxicology Letters

Vol. 403

Pages: 40-49

ISSN: 0378-4274

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

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Associated Projects

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

LA LSRE-LCM - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 para a Unidade LA LSRE-LCM Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção - Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais

ALiCE - ALiCE - Laboratório Associado em Engenharia Química

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-GVG

DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.11.012

Abstract (EN): Antineoplastic drugs are carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogenic substances, which can pose serious risks to professionals. Concerns about chronic exposure to these hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) have led to their prominence in the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027. To estimate and mitigate human exposure to HMPs, regular monitoring programs and, consequently, reliable, sensitive, multicomponent methods are crucial. In this study, an unconventional liquid-liquid extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis is proposed to simultaneously identify and quantify seven HMPs of high concern in urine: cyclophosphamide, etoposide, ifosfamide, paclitaxel, megestrol, mycophenolate mofetil, and tamoxifen, the last three for the first time. Recoveries of all drugs from urine samples were close to 100 %, and method detection limits (0.6-4.1 ng/L) were noticeably lower than most previously reported. This novel, non-invasive method for biomonitoring is thus suitable to unequivocally identify the target drugs at the expected trace levels in urine and to infer about workers' exposure. The method contributes to the conception of regular monitoring programs for antineoplastic drugs, in line with recommendations under EU Directive 2004/37/EC. This is especially relevant in Portugal, where neither analytical methods nor exposure data exist due to lack of formal surveillance.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10