Source, Occurrence, and Risk Assessment of Antineoplastic Medicines in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Review

Purpose of Review

This review article focuses to fulfill the gaps in the available literature on cancer incidence, antineoplastic drug consumption, environmental persistence, and toxicity assessment and provides a better understanding of the evaluation of the risk and difficulties resulting from the emergence of anticancer medications.

Recent Findings

Large amounts of antineoplastic drugs present in water bodies have adverse effects on the environment and human health. As the number of cancer patients continues to grow exponentially, the prevalence of antineoplastic chemicals in aquatic environments is steadily increasing worldwide. The oncology wards at hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and municipal garbage (from outpatients) are the biggest contributors to the presence of antineoplastic drugs in aquatic environments. When released into the environment, the unmetabolized fraction/derivatives and free radicals of these medicines are more toxic.

Summary

It is evident from the review that the ecotoxicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity are a result of the persistence of antineoplastic drug residual in water bodies. Thus, the presence of such substances in water bodies is detrimental to the health of both aquatic species and humans. The fate of antineoplastic drugs in the environment will also cause an adverse effect on agricultural crops and the soil microflora if the treated wastewater would be used for irrigation purposes.