Cyclophosphamide use in the Queensland veterinary industry

Cyclophosphamide is a type of antineoplastic medication, which is commonly used in chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy. It requires metabolic activation to function as an alkylating agent, meaning it is not cytotoxic in its initial state.

The substance has applications in veterinary medicine, for the treatment of lymphoma and other cancers in dogs and cats. This usage implies potential exposure risks for veterinary professionals, including veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and animal handlers.

The primary routes of entry into the body for cyclophosphamide during use, handling and storage are through inhalation and skin and mucous membrane absorption.

In 2025 Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ), the Queensland safety regulator, conducted an audit campaign into the use, handling and storage of cyclophosphamide.

The campaign found that there has been unauthorised use of this substance in the Queensland veterinary industry in contravention of the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation).

According to Schedule 10 of the WHS Regulation cyclophosphamide is classified as a restricted carcinogen, and:

1. persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) cannot use, handle or store cyclophosphamide without receiving either an authorisation under section 384 or an exemption under section 684, and
2. suppliers of restricted carcinogens cannot supply cyclophosphamide to PCBUs without evidence of an authorisation or exemption (section 340(2)).

The WHS Regulation requires authorisation for use, handling and storage of cyclophosphamide when used for restricted purposes, those being:

• in preparation for therapeutic use in hospitals and oncological treatment facilities, (e.g., compounding or preparing doses from bulk form)
• in manufacturing operations or
• genuine research or analysis.

This includes in the veterinary industry. 

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) does not need to apply for authorisation if the workplace or facility stores or uses the chemical in a patient-ready form for the purpose of administration to patients. This is because the workplace or facility is not involved in the preparation of the chemical.

If you are using, handling or storing cyclophosphamide for any of the restricted purposes above you must apply for an authorisation or exemption to do so. Otherwise, you must cease using, handling and storing the substance.

For more information about the WHS Regulations relating to cyclophosphamide please refer to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland's internet page on carcinogens.