Exposures of Young Children to Antineoplastic Agents Reported to US Poison Control Centers, 2000-2017

Background: Cancer patients are increasingly treated at home, and oncology treatment has expanded beyond traditional cytotoxic agents to include targeted therapies (molecular and immunological) and endocrine therapy. Hospitals and cancer units and related pharmacies have extensive safety controls and occupational requirements to limit exposures to antineoplastic drugs among pharmacists, technicians and nurses who prepare and administer chemotherapy. Such controls do not exist in home settings. Exposures to antineoplastic agents among young children are likely to increase, but few assessments of exposures exist. Poison control centers offer 24-hour advice and consultation …