A Review of Mitomycin Use in Ophthalmic Surgery: Clarification of Safety Standards for Patients and Hospital Personnel

Purpose of Review: The aim of this article is to review the main indications for use of mitomycin in ophthalmology, the adverse effects after exposure, identify the mechanisms of accidental exposure to mitomycin by sanitary personnel and patients, and offer guidelines on safe handling of the drug. Recent Findings: Various studies have revealed that repeated exposure to antineoplastic medications, such as mitomycin, can cause deleterious reproductive effects. Due to these concerns, several organizations have published official guidelines for safe handling of antineoplastic drugs, including mitomycin. Summary: Mitomycin C is a chemotherapeutic agent, used systemically for pancreatic and stomach neoplasms, that is also commonly used in ophthalmic surgery. Because of its role in operating rooms of hospitals and surgical centers around the world, the potential hazards and measures to assure safety of this chemotherapeutic drug need to be explained. All personnel that is in contact with this medicine needs to be informed of the risks of exposure and trained to prevent exposure, whether they participate in drug preparation, handling mitomycin before or during surgery, perform or assist in surgery, or manipulate the instruments and materials that have been in contact with mitomycin.