On 7 March 2025, the European Biosafety Network (EBN) participated in the Safer Cancer Care Conference in Brussels, joining a distinguished panel of speakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
The event centred on a critical goal: raising awareness of occupational exposure to Hazardous Medicinal Products (HMPs) and advocating for concerted political and practical measures to protect healthcare workers across Europe. Building on the success of the 2023 conference in London, this year’s gathering once again underscored the urgent need for safer working conditions for all those involved in the handling of HMPs.
The conference opened with a welcome and keynote introduction by Chairman Dr. Paul Sessink, Founder Exposure Control, Sweden, who set the stage by highlighting the persistence of hazardous drug-related occupational risks in healthcare environments. Dr. Sessink emphasised the importance of both environmental and biological monitoring, referencing his extensive research in the field. His remarks reminded attendees that systemic exposure to hazardous drugs can lead to serious health complications, reinforcing the need for robust, evidence-based protective measures.
The first session featured Helena Ullgren, President Elect of the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS), who shared insights from European cancer nurses. She discussed the “Cancer Nursing Index,” illustrating the pressures that frontline professionals face when handling cytotoxics and other hazardous agents. Her presentation underscored the practical realities: while awareness is growing, there are still gaps in training, resources, and uniform best practices across the continent.
Next, Anki Delin Eriksson, Quality & Safety Improvement Lead at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden and Lecturer and author Jan Degerfält jointly presented on the transformative power of specialised learning platforms. They introduced Sweden’s innovative e-learning program designed for managers and employers who oversee staff working with hazardous drugs. The successful implementation and proven effectiveness of this course highlighted how structured, accessible training can make a tangible difference in workplace safety outcomes.
Seth Eisenberg, Oncology Nursing Lecturer, USA, delivered a presentation which drew comparisons between North American and European approaches to hazardous drug safety. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, he illustrated how legislative frameworks such as USP <800> in the United States have evolved to address the changing needs of workers in oncology. His examples highlighted the value of consistent standards and accountability, underscoring how Europe might adapt some of these strategies within the context of new EU directives.
In the afternoon Dr. Karen Campbell, President of the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) and Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University, discussed recent findings from the JOPP study and the UKONS PECAN survey. She emphasised the legal obligations that employers have to protect staff who handle cytotoxic agents, echoing the sentiment that frontline workers must be empowered to exercise their rights to a safe working environment.
Matthias Hellberg-Naegele, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen in Switzerland, provided insight into occupational safety regulations in Switzerland and Germany. Sharing experiences in developing the “Freiburg Model,” he illustrated how carefully structured policy and nurse-led initiatives can significantly reduce exposure risks. By detailing practical steps—ranging from staff training to protective equipment usage—he demonstrated how concerted efforts can bring about real progress in diverse healthcare settings.
Concluding the speaker roster, Josh Cobb, Secretary of the European Biosafety Network, presented on the current EU guidance around safer handling of hazardous drugs. Cobb discussed how the 2022 revisions to the CMRD represent a significant moment in occupational safety and that for the first time, hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) and reprotoxins were explicitly included under its scope. Member States are required to transpose these legislative changes into national law by April 2024, marking a critical step towards harmonised safety standards across the EU. Cobb then presented on the EBN’s recent work in Ireland in partnership with Forsa – a case study of how coordinated, multi-stakeholder initiatives can drive improvements in hazardous drug handling. Cobb also underscored EBN’s primary mission: continuing to advocate, at both national and EU levels, for policies that meaningfully reduce occupational exposure.
The day concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which attendees discussed aligning clinical governance with current scientific evidence, best practices, and future responsibilities—especially in light of recent guidelines such as the 2023 EU Guidance for the Safe Management of Hazardous Medicinal Products at work and the ISOPP Standards for the Safe Handling of Cytotoxics (2022).
In summary, the 2025 Safer Cancer Care Conference served as an indispensable platform to highlight the critical need for European-wide collaboration on HMP safety. The EBN remains committed to working alongside health authorities, professional societies, unions, and industry partners to protect healthcare workers and patients alike. The call to action was clear: unify our efforts to strengthen legislative frameworks, provide robust training programs, and promote a culture of safety—ensuring that all who care for patients receive the protection they deserve.
