2 April, 2025 Today, the EBN, in partnership with the Konferenz Onkologischer Kranken- und Kinderpflege (KOK), or German Oncology Nursing Association, has launched a landmark survey examining how German oncology nurses handle hazardous medicinal products (HMPs).

The KOK is a specialist section of the German Cancer Society. It represents oncology nurses across Germany, promoting excellence in cancer care through education, research, and professional development.

This survey, the largest of its kind in Germany, marks a significant step toward understanding and mitigating the risks associated with occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs.

The Need for This Survey

Every day, oncology nurses in Germany work with hazardous medicinal products, including cytotoxic drugs, which can pose serious health risks if not handled properly.

Studies have shown that occupational exposure to these substances can lead to severe long-term health effects, including genetic mutations, reproductive disorders, and increased cancer risk. Despite strict European safety regulations, gaps in implementation, training, and adherence to best practices continue to put healthcare workers at risk.

The transposition deadline for the Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD) 2022/431 has passed. All European Member States were required to transpose its provisions into law by April 2024. However, many Member States are still falling short in ensuring that oncology nurses and other healthcare professionals are protected by the latest safety practices, such as the use of closed-systems and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) – where substation or elimination of the hazardous drug is unavailable.

The EBN position is that further action is needed to safeguard the health of those handling hazardous medicinal products. That is why we are launching this survey in Germany.

Objectives of the Survey

This survey seeks to:

  • Evaluate the level of awareness and implementation of safety measures when handling cytotoxic drugs in German oncology settings.
  • Identify gaps in training and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and closed-systems, including the use of Closed-System Transfer Devices (CSTDs).
  • Assess the frequency and nature of occupational exposure incidents and their impact on nurses’ health.
  • Gather data to support evidence-based recommendations for enhanced safety regulations and workplace protections.

Why This Matters

The results of this survey will provide a foundation for advocating stronger safety measures, policy improvements, and investment in protective equipment and training programs.

The findings will be used to engage with German healthcare institutions, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to ensure that the highest standards of occupational safety are upheld for oncology nurses exposed to HMPs.

This is an opportunity for nurses across Germany to share their experiences and contribute to meaningful change in their workplaces.

How to Participate

The survey can be accessed here – soscisurvey.de/europeanbiosafetynetwork

Prize Draw – Your Participation Could Win You a Ticket!
As a thank you for taking part in the survey, you’ll be entered into a prize draw:

1st Prize: Ticket for the ESMO & EONS Congress in Berlin (Value: €550)
2nd Prize: Ticket for the KOK Annual Conference in Berlin (Value: €250)
3rd Prize: Onkologische Pflege – Specialist textbook from Hogrefe Verlag (Value: €80)

If you are an oncology nurse in Germany or know someone who is, we encourage you to take part and share this initiative within your professional networks.

For more information on the survey and EBN’s work in promoting healthcare safety, please visit our website or contact us at josh.cobb@europeanbiosafetynetwork.eu

Join us in making a difference—your voice matters.