Prophylactic lamivudine to improve the outcome of HBsAg-positive lymphoma patients during chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatitis B virus reactivation: overview and management

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can hide in the liver in the form of covalently closed circular DNA. When the body’s immunity changes, HBV reactivation (HBV-R) can occur. The risk of HBV-R is determined by the complex interaction among virological factors, medication factors and host factors. However, many patients do not know that they are infected with HBV, and doctors often do not invest enough time to systematically evaluate the patient’s HBV-R risk factors before immunosuppressive treatment. Therefore, HBV clinical screening should be vigorously promoted to achieve early detection and early prevention for patients with high risk of HBV-R. The mechanism, clinical features, risk factors, HBV-R under different disease etiologies, prevention and treatment of HBV-R were summarized to improve the in-depth understanding and awareness.

Prophylactic antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus surface antigen-positive patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy

We conducted a nationwide retrospective analysis of 116 hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and 278 HBsAg‐negative patients with DLBCL, as a control cohort, who received rituximab‐containing regimens as an induction chemotherapy at 30 Japanese medical centers between January 2004 and December 2014. Hepatitis was defined as an absolute serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of ≥100 U/L. HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis was defined as hepatitis with an absolute serum HBV DNA level of ≥3.3 log IU/mL or an absolute increase of ≥2 log compared with the baseline value. HBsAg‐positive patients were divided into three groups based on anti–HBV prophylactic therapy: no nucleos(t)ide analogue (non–NA, n = 9), lamivudine (LAM, n = 20), and entecavir (ETV, n = 87). The 4‐year cumulative incidence (CI) of hepatitis in HBsAg‐positive and HBsAg‐negative patients was 21.1% and 14.6% (P = .081), respectively. The 4‐year CI of HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis was higher in HBsAg‐positive patients than in HBsAg‐negative patients (8.0% vs 0.4%; P < .001). Among HBsAg‐positive patients, the 4‐year CI of HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis was the highest in the non–NA group (33.3%), followed by the LAM (15.0%) and ETV (3.8%) groups (P < .001). Of note, 3 non–NA patients (33%) and 1 LAM patient (5%) (but no ETV patients) died due to HBV hepatitis. Based on Cox multivariate analysis, HBsAg positivity was not associated with poor overall survival. Prophylactic use of ETV would reduce the occurrence of HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis and mortality in HBsAg‐positive DLBCL patients receiving rituximab‐containing chemotherapy.

Alteration in Hepatitis B Serology in Children Receiving Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression can lead to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in cancer patients. Both HBV carriers and individuals with serological signs of previously resolved HBV exposure are under the risk of severe hepatitis and liver failure during and after chemotherapy. The objective of this largest retrospective study was to analyze the consequences of HBV status in children receiving chemotherapy. A total of 479 patients (273 boys and 206 girls) aged 1-211 months diagnosed with acute hematologic malignancies and solid tumors were included in the study. Serological markers for HBV before and after chemotherapy and clinical data of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Two hundred thirty-four of the participants were found to have protective antibody titers to HBV at admission. Five children were carrying HBV before chemotherapy. They received antiviral therapy during treatment and no reactivation was detected. Antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (antiHBs) remained positive in 194 patients after chemotherapy. However, 17.09% (40/234) lost antiHBs positivity. In this group, three patients (1.28%) who initially had positive antiHBs and antihepatitis B core antibody experienced HBV reactivation and lost their protective antiHBs at the end of the therapy. Median antiHBs titer significantly decreased after chemotherapy (213.14 [range: 24-888] vs. 180.85 [range: 0-850]) (p = 0.0094). The current relatively large trial demonstrated that protective antibody titers remarkably altered after chemotherapy, and at least 17% of the pediatric oncology cases lost antiHBs positivity. Therefore, vaccine prevention and close monitoring of serology should be considered during chemotherapy.

The association of hepatitis B virus screening and antiviral prophylaxis with adverse liver outcomes in Chinese cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A retrospective study

Currently, the association of the initiation time of hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and antiviral prophylaxis with adverse liver outcomes in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy remains conflicting.This retrospective study was designed to determine the association of HBV screening and antiviral prophylaxis with adverse liver outcomes, and then proposed optimal management strategies on HBV screening and antiviral prophylaxis.We analyzed the medical data of Chinese cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy between 2000 and 2015. Descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were performed to analyze the basic characteristics of patients. Time-to-event analysis was used to determine incidence, and competing risk analysis was used to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) for outcomes.A total of 12,158 patients (81.1% with solid tumors) were analyzed. Among solid tumors patients, late screening and late antiviral therapy of chronic HBV were associated with higher incidence of hepatitis flare (HR 3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.26-4.79; HR 6.79, 95% CI 4.42-10.41), hepatic impairment (HR 2.96, 95% CI 2.03-4.32; HR 8.03, 95% CI 4.78-13.48), liver failure (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.41-3.40; HR 14.81, 95% CI 6.57-33.42), and HBV-related death (HR 3.29, 95% CI 2.26-4.79; HR 8.30, 95% CI 4.95-13.91) in comparison with early screening and early therapy.Early HBV screening and antiviral therapy could reduce the risk of adverse liver outcomes among chronic HBV patients receiving chemotherapy. Hepatitis B surface antibody-positivity was associated with a decreased risk of liver failure and chronic HBV, late screening or late antiviral therapy were predictors of liver failure for patients with anti-tumor therapy. However, it should be applied cautiously into each types of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies because subgroup analysis according to type of cancer was not designed.

Hepatitis B screening rates and reactivation in solid organ malignancy patients undergoing chemotherapy in Southern Thailand

Background/Aims

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) following chemotherapy (CMT) is well-known among hematologic malignancies, and screening recommendations are established. However, HBVr data in solid organ malignancy (SOM) patients are limited. This study aims to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening rates, HBV prevalence, and the rate of significant hepatitis caused by HBVr in SOM patients undergoing CMT.

Methods

Based on the Oncology unit’s registration database from 2009–2013, we retrospectively reviewed records of all SOM patients ≥18 years undergoing CMT at Songklanagarind Hospital who were followed until death or ≥6 months after CMT sessions. Exclusion criteria included patients without baseline liver function tests (LFTs) and who underwent CMT before the study period. We obtained and analyzed baseline clinical characteristics, HBsAg screening, and LFT data during follow-up.

Results

Of 3,231 cases in the database, 810 were eligible. The overall HBsAg screening rate in the 5-year period was 27.7%. Screening rates were low from 2009–2012 (7.8–21%) and increased in 2013 to 82.9%. The prevalence of HBV among screened patients was 7.1%. Of those, 75% underwent prophylactic antiviral therapy. During the 6-month follow-up period, there were three cases of significant hepatitis caused by HBVr (4.2% of all significant hepatitis cases); all were in the unscreened group.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HBV in SOM patients undergoing CMT in our study was similar to the estimated prevalence in general Thai population, but the screening rate was quite low. Cases of HBVr causing significant hepatitis occurred in the unscreened group; therefore, HBV screening and treatment in SOM patients should be considered in HBV-endemic areas.

Antiviral prophylaxis for preventing reactivation of hepatitis B virus in rheumatic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To estimate the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis (AVP) in patients with different status of HBV infection undergoing antirheumatic therapies. We searched Cochrane Library, Medline, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-RCTs, cohort studies, or case series studies examining reactivation of HBV in patients undergoing antirheumatic therapy with or without AVP. We estimated the HBV reactivation rate (HRR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) among different patient groups (indirect comparison). We also calculated rate ratio (RR), rate difference (RD) with their 95% CIs, and the number needed to treat (NNT) of AVP (direct comparison). Fifty-three case series studies with 2162 patients were included. The RD of AVP was - 0.13 (95% CI - 0.21 to - 0.05) for all patients, - 0.16 (95% CI - 0.26 to - 0.06) for rheumatic patients with chronic HBV infection, but not statistically significant for patients with other status of HBV infection. Lamivudine (RD - 0.10, 95% CI - 0.25 to 0.05) was less effective than other prophylactic antiviral drugs (RD - 0.31, 95% CI - 0.52 to - 0.11). The HHR varied from 55 to 5% by HBV status and treatment. There is limited evidence that AVP was effective for preventing reactivation of HBV in patients undergoing antirheumatic therapy. The effectiveness varies by patient HBV status and antiviral regimens. Rheumatic HBV carriers may be more beneficial from AVP, and lamivudine may be inferior to other AVP regimens. Findings in this study warrant further investigation in rigorous RCTs.

Late reactivation of hepatitis B virus after rituximab-containing chemotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is commonly observed in HBsAg-positive hematologic patients undergoing immunosuppressive chemotherapy. Recent guidelines recommend antiviral prophylaxis to be continued for up to 12 months after the discontinuation of the anticancer regimen.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a patient who underwent antiviral prophylaxis for 26 months after the discontinuation of a rituximab-containing chemotherapy regimen for a lymphoma and was admitted in the infectious diseases department with a 3-day history of jaundice, itching, and dark urine. After excluding other possible causes of acute liver damage, HBV reactivation was suspected. HBV-DNA was 4497000 IU/mL. Following reintroduction of entecavir, we observed a steady decline of ALT, AST, bilirubin and HBV-DNA serum levels, with a rapid resolution of acute hepatitis and an improvement in clinical conditions; one year after the event of HBV reactivation and beginning of antiviral therapy, the patient was virologically suppressed.

DISCUSSION

Our study demonstrates that the risk of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients with undetectable HBV-DNA can occur even after three years from the last administration of rituximab and several months after the withdrawal of prophylactic antiviral therapy in patients with hematological malignancies. This implies that a close monitoring of HBV-related markers including HBV-DNA must continue after the withdrawal of prophylactic NA therapy.

Three-year Follow-up on the Safety and Effectiveness of Rituximab Plus Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Follicular Lymphoma in Real-World Clinical Settings in China: A Prospective, Multicenter, Noninterventional Study

BACKGROUND

Prospective real-life data on the safety and effectiveness of rituximab in Chinese patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or follicular lymphoma (FL) are limited. This real-world study aimed to evaluate long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes of rituximab plus chemotherapy (R-chemo) as first-line treatment in Chinese patients with DLBCL or FL. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation management was also investigated.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, noninterventional study of previously untreated CD20-positive DLBCL or FL patients receiving first-line R-chemo treatment at 24 centers in China was conducted between January 17, 2011 and October 31, 2016. Enrolled patients underwent safety and effectiveness assessments after the last rituximab dose and were followed up for 3 years. Effectiveness endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Safety endpoints were adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, drug-related AEs, and AEs of special interest. We also reported data on the incidence of HBV reactivation.

RESULTS

In total, 283 previously untreated CD20-positive DLBCL and 31 FL patients from 24 centers were enrolled. Three-year PFS was 59% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50-67%) for DLBCL patients and 46% (95% CI: 20-69%) for FL patients. For DLBCL patients, multivariate analyses showed that PFS was not associated with international prognostic index, tumor maximum diameter, HBV infection status, or number of rituximab treatment cycles, and OS was only associated with age >60 years (P < 0.05). R-chemo was well tolerated. The incidence of HBV reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and HBsAg-negative/hepatitis B core antibody-positive patients was 13% (3/24) and 4% (3/69), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

R-chemo is effective and safe in real-world clinical practice as first-line treatment for DLBCL and FL in China, and that HBV reactivation during R-chemo is manageable with preventive measures and treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01340443; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01340443.

Prophylactic effect of lamivudine on chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with solid tumour: A meta-analysis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a remarkable risk during the chemotherapy for solid tumour patients. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are recommended as prophylaxis for the reactivation of HBV infection in some cancer patients prior to systemic chemotherapy. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis aiming to determine the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine on prevention of HBV reactivation and its related negative outcomes among solid tumour patients with chronic HBV infection receiving systemic chemotherapy. The primary outcome was HBV reactivation, and the secondary outcomes were HBV-related hepatitis, chemotherapy disruption, mortality and tyrosine-methio-nine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) mutations. Twelve original researches involving 1,101 patients were analysed in this study. The relative risk of HBV reactivation in patients with lamivudine prophylaxis was significantly lower than that without prophylaxis (RR = 0.17, 95% CL: 0.10-0.29, p < .00001). Lamivudine prophylaxis reduced the relative risk of hepatitis (p < .00001), chemotherapy disruptions (p = .01) and mortality (p = .08) due to HBV reactivation. Lamivudine prophylaxis is effective in reducing HBV reactivation and its related negative outcomes, such as hepatitis and chemotherapy disruption and mortality among chemotherapeutic solid tumour patients with chronic HBV infection. Future studies should lay more emphasis on the early HBV screening, mode of treatment and duration of NAs prophylaxis among solid tumour patients receiving chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation and antiviral prophylaxis during lung cancer chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Antiviral drugs have been recommended as prophylaxis for the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, screening and antiviral prophylaxis for lung cancer remain controversial because of insufficient evidence.

Purpose

In this study, we investigate the absolute risk for HBV reactivation and the prophylactic effects of antiviral drugs in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive lung cancer patients during chemotherapy.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and SinoMed from inception until 28 November 2016, and identified all potential relevant references with or without prophylactic use of antiviral therapy in HBsAg-positive lung cancer patients during chemotherapy. The primary outcome was the incidence of HBV reactivation, the secondary outcomes were the incidence of hepatitis, chemotherapy disruption and mortality.

Results

Eleven studies involving 794 patients were analyzed. The incidences of HBV reactivation in control group and antiviral prophylaxis group ranged from 0% to 38% (median, 21%, 95% CI: 0.17–0.25) and 0% to 7% (median, 4%, 95% CI: 0.02–0.06), respectively. Antiviral prophylaxis had significantly reduced the risk for HBV reactivation (RR, 0.22 [95% CI: 0.13–0.37], p< 0.0001), hepatitis (RR, 0.35 [95% CI: 0.22–0.56], p<0.0001) and chemotherapy disruption (RR: 0.29 [95% CI, 0.15–0.55], p<0.0002) compared to those without antiviral prophylaxis. There was no significant heterogeneity in the comparisons, and a fixed-model was used.

Conclusion

The risks of HBV reactivation and relevant complications are high in HBsAg-positive lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and available evidences support HBV screening for antiviral prophylaxis before initiation of chemotherapy for lung cancer patients.

Nucleos(t)ide analogues for preventing HBV reactivation in immunosuppressed patients with hematological malignancies: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of five oral nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), including lamivudine, entecavir, adefovir, telbivudine and tenofovir, for the prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and HBV-related complications in chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infected patients with hematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) by network meta-analysis.

METHODS

The search identified 28 articles involving 5 different prophylactic regimens covering 1478 participants.

RESULTS

Among five prophylactic regimes, tenofovir (predicted probability, 90%), was the most effective intervention followed by entecavir (88%) in preventing HBV reactivation. There was no significant difference between tenofovir and entecavir for preventing HBV reactivation. With regards to other outcomes, tenofovir and telbivudine was not included to evaluate due to lack of relevant studies. Entecavir was the most effective intervention in reducing the risk of HBV related hepatitis (100%), HBV related death (61%) and all other causes of hepatitis (98%).

CONCLUSION

Tenofovir and entecavir might be the most potent regimes in prevention of HBV reactivation for CHB infected patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy or HSCT.

Comparison of entecavir and lamivudine in preventing HBV reactivation in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy: a meta-analysis

Background Multiple studies have compared the efficacy of entecavir with lamivudine in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation among HBV-carrying lymphoma patients with chemotherapy treatment. However, the results were slightly varied. Aim of the review to combine the findings of independent studies assessing the clinical efficacy of the two drugs using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chongqing VIP and WanFang Data were retrieved. Two independent reviewers evaluated the study eligibility and extracted eight studies, with 770 patients in total. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and STATA software. Results HBV-carrying lymphoma patients receiving lamivudine during chemotherapy had a statistically significantly higher odds of HBV reactivation compared to those receiving entecavir (OR 5.0, 95 % CI 2.85-8.78, P < 0.001). The odds of hepatitis, HBV-Reactivation caused hepatitis and chemotherapy disruption was statistically significantly elevated in the patient group receiving lamivudine compared to the entecavir group (OR 4.12, 95 % CI 1.70-9.98, P = 0.002; OR 11.44, 95 % CI 2.70-48.52, P < 0.001; OR 6.71, 95 % CI 2.34-19.26, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the HBV reactivation rate in Ann Arbor stages I - II patient group was statistically significantly lower than the one in Ann Arbor stages III-IV group, with an overall pooled value of 0.37 (95 % CI 0.17-0.82, P = 0.01). Conclusion The metaanalysis result suggested that among HBV-carrying lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy, entecavir is more effective than lamivudine in preventing HBV reactivation.

Hepatitis B Reactivation with Novel Agents in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Prevention Strategies

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an endemic disease in most parts of the world despite available prophylactic vaccines. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the most common hematological malignancy, and certain patients undergoing therapy are at increased risk of HBV reactivation. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, is well studied in HBV reactivation, but newer agents have been implicated as well. Here, we review novel agents suspected in HBV reactivation and effective strategies to prevent HBV reactivation. Fifteen years of literature were reviewed in order to better understand the reactivation rates of hepatitis B in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Anti-CD20 antibodies continue to be the main medications that can lead to HBV reactivation, and HBV reactivation rates have decreased with increased awareness. HBV reactivation is uncommon when using other novel agents. Entecavir and lamivudine remain the agents of choice to prevent HBV reactivation in high risk patients. In conclusion, the immunosuppressive effect of NHL and its therapy provide a pathway for HBV reactivation, especially in patients treated with anti-CD20 antibody. Since many HBV positive patients are often excluded from clinical trials of novel agents in NHL, more aggressive post-market surveillance of new agents, well-designed best practice advisories, and timely case reports are needed to reduce the incidence of HBV reactivation. Lastly, large prospective investigations coupled with well-utilized best practice advisories need to be conducted to understand the impact of more potent novel NHL therapy on HBV reactivation.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus during targeted therapies for cancer and immune-mediated disorders

INTRODUCTION

Targeted therapies have gained popularity in the treatment of several oncologic and immune-mediated diseases. Immunosuppression caused by these drugs has been associated to reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients (overt infection) and HBsAg negative/anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) positive carriers (resolved infection), leading to premature discontinuation of therapy and potentially fatal hepatitis.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the evidence of HBV reactivation in patients with overt or resolved HBV infection undergoing targeted therapies for cancer or immune-mediated disorders, providing recommendations for the management of these patients.

EXPERT OPINION

The risk of HBV reactivation relies on the immunosuppressive potency and duration of these therapies, the underlying disease and the virological patient's profile. However, HBV reactivation is preventable by screening for HBV markers in all patients scheduled to receive targeted therapies, assessing the virological profile and patient's clinical state, followed by appropriate antiviral treatment or prophylaxis in those patients at high risk of HBV reactivation. Close monitoring of HBV carriers at low risk of reactivation is warranted with the aim to start antiviral therapy as soon as HBV reactivates.

Hepatitis B Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Therapy or Cancer Chemotherapy, Management, and Prevention: A Comprehensive Review-Screened

CONTEXT

Due to the close relationship between the immune system and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, it is essential to monitor patients with current or past HBV infection under any type of immunosuppression. Cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapies in autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppression in solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients are the major reasons for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr). In this review, the challenges associated with HBVr are discussed according to the latest studies and guidelines. We also discuss the role of treatments with different risks, including anti-CD20 agents, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, and other common immunosuppressive agents in various conditions.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Through an electronic search of the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, we selected the studies associated with HBVr in different conditions. The most recent recommendations were collected in order to reach a consensus on how to manage patients at risk of HBVr.

RESULTS

It was found that the positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the high baseline HBV DNA level, the positive hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and an absent or low hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer prior to starting treatment are the most important viral risk factors. Furthermore, rituximab, anthracycline, and different types of TNF-α inhibitors were identified as the high-risk therapies. By analyzing the efficiency of prophylaxis on the prevention of HBVr, it was concluded that those with a high risk of antiviral resistance should not be used in long-term immunosuppressants. Receiving HBV antiviral agents at the commencement of immunosuppressant therapy or chemotherapy was demonstrated to be effective in decreasing the risk of HBVr. Prophylaxis could also be initiated before the start of therapy. For most immune suppressive regimes, antiviral therapy should be kept up for at least 6 months after the cessation of immunosuppressive drugs. However, the optimal time of prophylaxis keeping should be increased in cases associated with rituximab or hematopoietic stem cell transplants. According to the latest studies and guidelines from different bodies, recommendations regarding screening, monitoring, and management of HBVr are outlined.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of patients at the risk of HBVr before immunosuppressive therapy is an undeniable part of treatment. Starting the antiviral therapy, based on the type of immunosuppressive drugs and the underlying disease, could lead to better management of disease.