[Development of Photocatalysts-Coated Polyethylene Terephthalate Film for Degradation and Elimination of Chemotherapy Drugs].

Prolonged exposure to anticancer drugs can lead to health damage in medical professionals as well as in patients and their families, and can be a serious issue. The risk of occupational acute exposure to anticancer drugs in medical professionals has largely been reduced following the establishment of guidelines for safe handling of hazardous drugs. However, the problem of pollution associated with residual anticancer drugs attached to the surface of floors and walls in the prescription laboratory, treatment room and the lavatory remains unsolved. We have recently developed a polyethylene terephthalate(PET) film coated with photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide and tungsten oxide. In the present study, the ability of the PET film to degrade anticancer drugs was tested by dripping anticancer drug solution on to the surface of the film followed by irradiation with LED light. The contents of several anticancer drugs, including 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and cisplatin, were greatly reduced after 24 hr irradiation. Therefore, the present photocatalysts-coated PET film may become a useful tool to reduce the risk for exposure to hazardous agents including anticancer drugs.