Pharmaceutical issues: preparation and handling

Abstract

The preparation and safe handling of antineoplastic agents as presented during the Fourth International Symposium on Oncology Pharmacy Practice are reviewed. Included are discussions of the class II safety cabinets versus negative pressure isolators, a new type of drug vial that may facilitate safer han dling of antineoplastic agents, and a robotic system being developed for the preparation of large-vol ume cytotoxic infusions. Newer infusion devices, monitoring for occupational exposure to cytotoxic agents, and problems with drug stability, particu larly in the ambulatory setting, are also discussed.