Abstract: BACKGOUND AND AIM: To investigate genetic toxicity and carcinogenetic potential of anticancer drugs on human. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate genetic toxicity and carcinogenetic potential of anticancer drugs with chromosomal aberration test in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. The agent was administrated at three different doses (0.01,0.02,0.04 μg/ml), then the type of aberrations and the rates of chromosomal aberrations and frequencies of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) were examined. RESULTS: Ifosfamide,Adriamycin, Vinblastine and Harringtonine, even at dose of 0.01 μg/ml, could significantly increase frequencies of SCE and rates of chromosomal aberration as compared with negative control group(P<0.05). Busulfan could significantly increase frequencies of SCE and rates of chromosomal aberration in high dose group, but there was no statistical significance in low dose group (P>0.05). SCE frequencies and rates of chromosomal aberrations were not significantly different between Mithramycin group and control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Antineoplastic drugs including Ifosfamide,Adriamycin,Vinblastine,Harringtonine and Busulfan demonstrated genetic toxicity and carcinogenetic potential. However, Mithramycin showed negative results. Antineoplastic drugs should be handled carefully by clinical personnel.

Key words: antineoplastic agents, lymphocyte, chromosomal aberration, sister chromatid exchange