Developing a flowchart to evaluate the use of Closed System Drug-Transfer Devices with monoclonal antibodies: Focus on the clinical trial setting

Abstract

Objective

Available guidelines are ambiguous about safe handling monoclonal antibodies (MABs) and whether or not to use a Closed System Drug-Transfer Device (CSTD). In this article we want to describe a standardized working method on handling MABs in a clinical trial setting.

Data Sources

The current workflow at the clinical trial unit of the Ghent University Hospital was critically analyzed, after which an extensive literature review was performed using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Working Group guidelines and the database PubMed (Keywords: monoclonal antibodies, closed system transfer devices, safety guidelines, safe handling, management, administration, (bio)compatibility, volume loss, contamination, clinical trial unit. Period: 2020–2022).

Data Summary

Literature data are ambiguous. CSTDs can reduce cross-contamination and minimize exposure to potential hazardous drugs for healthcare professionals. However, in recent years more questions have been raised about their in-use compatibility and their impact on final product quality. This makes the debate on implementing CSTDs a hot topic in daily pharmacy practice and demands a holistic and standardized approach when deciding whether or not to use a CSTD when handling MABs. In a clinical trial setting, where safety data are frequently not available and the compatibility of CSTDs and investigational product is often unknown, this poses additional challenges that need to be taken into account.

Conclusion

We developed a flowchart which standardizes the use of a CSTD when handling MABs. It allows other healthcare professionals and clinical trial sponsors to define and evaluate the necessary criteria when standardizing the position of a CSTD in their safe handling procedures.