Hepatitis B virus carriers in the treatment of malignant lymphoma: an epidemiological study in Japan

Hepatitis B reactivation is a rare event among patients with resolved infection undergoing anti-CD20 antibodies in monotherapy without antiviral prophylaxis: results from the HEBEM study

INTRODUCTION

Prospective data on the risk of hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) among patients with resolved HBV infection undergoing anti-CD20 antibodies monotherapy is scarce. We aimed to assess the risk of HBVr in patients with resolved HBV infection treated with rituximab or ocrelizumab in monotherapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) without antiviral prophylaxis.

METHODS

HEBEM is a prospective study that included all consecutive adults HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive who initiated anti-CD20 antibodies for MS or NMOSD at Cemcat. Inclusion criteria encompassed undetectable HBV-DNA, absence of other immunosuppressants or antiviral therapy. Every 6 months HBsAg, ALT and HBV-DNA were performed to rule out HBVr (defined by 2-log increase in HBV-DNA or seroconversion to HBsAg+).

RESULTS

From August/2019 to August/2022, 540 subjects initiated anti-CD20 antibodies, 28 (5.2%) were anti-HBc-positive and were included. Twenty-two received rituximab and 6 ocrelizumab. The majority (89.3%) had previously received ≥ 1 immunomodulatory drug, with corticosteroids (82.1%) and interferon (42.9%) as the most common. At inclusion, all presented normal transaminases and undetectable HBV-DNA. Median anti-HBs levels were 105.5 mIU/mL (IQR 0-609). Median follow-up was 3.1 years (2.1-4.0). Median number of cycles of anti-CD20 antibodies was 6 (3-7), with a cumulative dose of 8.5 g (5.8-11.2) of rituximab and 3 g (1.8-3.8) of ocrelizumab. Neither cases of HBVr nor changes in anti-HBs titers were observed per 83.6 patient-years treated with monotherapy with anti-CD20 antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of patients with MS or NMOSD and resolved HBV infection, anti-CD20 monotherapy was not associated with detectable risk of HBV reactivation despite the lack of antiviral prophylaxis.

Effect of an Electronic Alert System on Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients Receiving Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (HBVr) can occur in patients receiving immunosuppressive drug therapies, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Although the guidelines for HBVr have been proposed by several academic societies, some providers do not follow them, resulting in HBVr and death. As HBV-DNA levels increase before liver enzyme levels do, we previously constructed an electronic alert system that recommends the measurement of HBV-DNA. Here, we investigated whether this alert system improves the HBV-DNA measurement rate and elicits responses according to guidelines. A total of 5329 patients were divided into two groups, before and after the introduction of the alert system, and the HBV-DNA measurement rates in both groups were compared. Because of the introduction of the alert system, the HBV-DNA measurement rate among HBsAg-negative patients with anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc before immunosuppressive drug therapy improved significantly. The HBV-DNA monitoring rate within 3 months also improved significantly (p = 0.0034) in HBV-remission phase patients. HBVr was detected immediately, and the affected patients were treated with nucleotide analogs before severe hepatitis onset. The introduction of the alert system for HBVr improved the HBV-DNA measurement rates in patients receiving immunosuppressive drug therapy, leading to the rapid treatment of patients with HBVr.

High Risk of Clinical Relapse in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection After Cessation of Prophylactic Antiviral Therapy for Rituximab-Containing Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Prophylaxis with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) is recommended to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients receiving rituximab-based B-cell depletion therapy. However, little is known about the risk of clinical relapse after withdrawal of NA.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 77 noncirrhotic HBsAg carriers with hematological cancer who received rituximab-containing chemotherapy. All of them received either prophylactic entecavir or tenofovir therapy. The risk of clinical relapse and hepatic decompensation after cessation of NA was explored.

RESULTS

Clinical relapse and hepatic decompensation developed in 25 (32.5 %) and 11 (14.3 %) of the patients, respectively, and 2 patients died of hepatic decompensation. Most of the hepatic events occurred within 1 year (20 of 25; 80.0%) after stopping NA. A higher pretreatment viral load (≥2000 vs <2000 IU/mL) was associated with increased risks of clinical relapse (hazard ratio, 3.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-7.73) and hepatic decompensation (9.91; 2.14-45.92). Of 51 patients with pretreatment viral load <2000 IU/mL, clinical relapse occurred in 10 (19.6 %) and hepatic decompensation in 2 (3.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL is associated with increased risk of liver-related disease after cessation of prophylactic NA therapy in patients who received rituximab-containing chemotherapy.

HBV flare associated with immunosuppressive treatments: it is still dangerous in the third-generation antivirals era

BACKGROUND

There are limited data about the mortality and morbidity of patients with HBV flare related to immunosuppressive treatments (IST) in the third-generation antivirals era. Herein, we performed a multi-centric study in patients treated with entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and evaluated their clinical course.

METHODS

The study group included patients who were referred to gastroenterology or infectious disease specialists at eight different hospitals in Turkey. HBV flare was defined as at least a threefold elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels above the upper limit of normal range. The demographic data, IST protocol, virological markers, liver tests, international normalized ratio (INR), HBV DNA, reactivation risk profile according to AGA guideline, MELD and MELD-Na scores were retrospectively evaluated. The primary aim of the study was to determine the liver-related mortality, including transplantation, at 12 weeks and factors predicting it. Secondary aims were to compare ETV and TDF with respect to mortality and time to ALT, bilirubin normalization and HBV DNA undetectability.

RESULTS

The study group included 40 patients (29 males, mean age: 57 ±12 years). Twenty-five patients (62.5%) had a high risk of reactivation. Twenty-six patients received TDF and 14 patients received ETV treatment. Eight (20%) patients developed acute liver failure and one patient (2.5%) underwent living donor liver transplantation. Seven patients died due to liver-related complications, revealing a mortality rate of 17.5%. In multivariate analysis, total bilirubin levels at the onset, ALT levels and delta-MELD score at the first week were the independent risk factors for liver related mortality (HR: 1.222, 1.003, 1.253 and 95% CI: 1.096, 1.362; 1.001, 1.004 and 1.065, 1.470, respectively). There was no significant difference between the TDF and ETV groups with respect to time to normalize ALT and bilirubin levels, HBV DNA undetectability and mortality rates (16% and 21.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

HBV flare associated with IST has a high mortality in the third-generation antivirals era. High total bilirubin at the onset and high ALT and delta-MELD score at the first week predict poor prognosis.

Clinical Profile and Efficacy of Antivirals in Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation, in Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVR) is common in patients withcancer. The aim of the present study was to find out clinical profile of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy with HBVR and to study the efficacy of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir in the treatment of HBVR.

METHODS

This is a prospective study in which all consecutive patients with cancer with evidence of HBVR were included. HBVR was defined as: New onset transaminitis with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >3 times upper limit of normal and >10 fold increase in HBV DNA levels from baseline levels or detection of HBV DNA ≥100,000 IU/ml in patients with no baseline HBV DNA. Patients with HBVR were put on ETV or tenofovir and were closely monitored for efficacy and safety for minimum of 1 year.

RESULTS

Of 204 Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients with different cancers, 92 met the inclusion criteria. Of 92, 46 received ETV 0.5 mg/day and 46 received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg/day. At 6 months, there was 4.7 log reduction in HBV DNA level in the ETV group and 5.2 log reduction in the TDF group (P = 0.029). Proportion of patients with undetectable HBV DNA (75.7% vs 87.5%), ALT normalization (89.2% Vs 87.5%), HBsAg negativity (25% vs 28.1%), and seroconversion (2.8% vs 3.1%) at 1 year were almost similar in both groups with P value > 0.05 for all efficacy end points. There was no HBVR-related mortality in any group.

CONCLUSION

Both ETV and tenofovir are very effective in the treatment of HBVR and reduce the liver-related mortality and morbidity in such patients.

The Relation of Lymphomaand Hepatitis B Virus/Hepatitis C Virus Infections in the Region of East Black Sea, Turkey

Aim and background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are not only hepatotropic, but also lymphotropic viruses. Infections with these viruses induce chronic antigenicity and may stimulate clonal expansion of malignant B-cell neoplasms. Moreover, these viruses can proliferate in lymphatic structures and bone marrow. However, the relationship between lymphomas and HBV/HCV infections is not clear. In our region of the East Black Sea, Turkey (the city of Trabzon), we intended to demonstrate a relation of lymphoma and HBV/HCV infections with a case-controlled study.

Methods

A total of 109 patients diagnosed with lymphoma between 2002–2005 in the Black Sea Technical University Hospital was investigated. Seventy-one patients had a high-grade and 38 patients a low-grade lymphoma. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV Ab) were screened. The control group consisted of patients (n = 551) from other departments with diagnoses other than lymphoma.

Results

HBsAg was 3.7% and anti-HCV Ab positivity was 2.8% in lymphoma patients, compared with control of 5.3%, 5.1%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups ( P = 0.7, OR = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.20–2.10; P = 0.4, OR = 0.53, 95% CI, 0.13–1.86, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the incidence of HBV and HCV infections in lymphoma patients is no different than that of nonlymphoma patients. Therefore, no direct correlation can be deduced between lymphoma and HBV-HCV infections in our East Black Sea region of Turkey.

Impact of Hepatitis B Core Antibody Seropositivity on the Outcome of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) seropositivity has been associated with a higher rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after chemotherapy, even in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative. However, little is known about the risk of HBV reactivation after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT). We evaluated the incidence of HBV reactivation, liver toxicity, and survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who received auto-HCT at our institution. We retrospectively identified 107 MM patients with resolved HBV infection (HBcAb positive, HBsAg negative) and 125 patients with negative HBV serology (control subjects) who were matched for age, timing of auto-HCT from diagnosis, cytogenetics, disease status at transplant, induction therapy, and preparative regimen. All patients underwent auto-HCT between 1991 and 2013. Primary endpoints were HBV reactivation, defined as HBsAg positivity or ≥10-fold increase in HBV DNA, and hepatotoxicity, as defined in the U.S. National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. In the resolved HBV infection group, 52 patients (49%) were HBsAb positive and 24 (22%) had detectable HBV DNA before auto-HCT. Only 1 patient with resolved HBV infection received pre-emptive antiviral therapy with lamivudine, whereas 4 patients received lamivudine (n = 3) or tenofovir (n = 1) at reactivation after auto-HCT for a median duration of 12 months. HBV reactivation occurred in 7 of 107 patients (6.5%) in the resolved HBV group. Median time to HBV reactivation from auto-HCT was 16 months. The cumulative incidence of grade 2 or greater hepatotoxicity was 30% in the resolved HBV infection group and 22% in the control group (hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, .7 to 2.3; P = .4). Nonrelapse mortality for the 2 groups was not statistically different at 2 years (P = .06), although it trended higher in the control group than in the resolved HBV infection group (8% versus 1%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) durations in the resolved HBV infection and control groups were 21 versus 18 months (P = .5) and 53 versus 67 months (P = .2), respectively. Our data suggest that resolved HBV infection in patients undergoing auto-HCT for MM is associated with a low risk of HBV reactivation and hepatotoxicity; these complications were reversible and did not adversely affect the PFS or OS.

Lymphoproliferative Disease and Hepatitis B Reactivation: Challenges in the Era of Rapidly Evolving Targeted Therapy

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a known complication that occurs in patients receiving chemotherapy especially for malignant lymphoma. The increased risk in lymphoma patients parallels the potency of the immunosuppressive treatment regimens that are provided. B-cell-depleting therapy such as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, especially when combined with conventional chemotherapy, significantly increases the risk of HBV reactivation, even in patients with resolved HBV infection. The first reports of HBV reactivation with anti-CD20 therapy emerged only 4 years after its US Food and Drug Administration approval. Today, these drugs carry alert warnings on the risk of hepatic dysfunction and reactivation of HBV infection. Many other new/novel agents active against lymphoma have emerged since then, targeting the different pathways involved in lymphoma pathogenesis, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and proteasome inhibitors. These various drugs have differing depths and mechanisms of immunosuppression, necessitating due diligence when administrating these compounds to prevent infective complications such as HBV reactivation, which can lead to liver failure and death. This review focuses on HBV reactivation with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, in particular with the various approved novel agents. We also discuss the current recommendations for screening non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients for HBV and the role of prophylactic antiviral therapy during and after immunosuppressive treatment.

HBV Core Protein Enhances Cytokine Production

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a serious global health concern. HCC development and human hepatocarcinogenesis are associated with hepatic inflammation caused by host interferons and cytokines. This article focused on the association between the HBV core protein, which is one of the HBV-encoding proteins, and cytokine production. The HBV core protein induced the production of interferons and cytokines in human hepatoma cells and in a mouse model. These factors may be responsible for persistent HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. Inhibitors of programmed death (PD)-1 and HBV core and therapeutic vaccines including HBV core might be useful for the treatment of patients with chronic HBV infection. Inhibitors of HBV core, which is important for hepatic inflammation, could be helpful in preventing the progression of liver diseases in HBV-infected patients.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation and hepatitis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy: risk factors and survival

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been reported in B-cell lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-negative and hepatitis B core antibody [HBcAb]-positive). This study aimed to assess HBV reactivation and hepatitis occurrence in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with resolved hepatitis B receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy compared with HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-negative patients to identify risk factors for HBV reactivation and hepatitis occurrence and to analyze whether HBV reactivation and hepatitis affect the survival of DLBCL patients with resolved hepatitis B.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of 278 patients with DLBCL treated with rituximab-containing therapy between January 2004 and May 2008 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, China. Predictive factors for HBV reactivation, hepatitis development, and survival were examined by univariate analysis using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test and by multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model.

Results

Among the 278 patients, 165 were HBsAg-negative. Among these 165 patients, 6 (10.9%) of 55 HBcAb-positive (resolved HBV infection) patients experienced HBV reactivation compared with none (0%) of 110 HBcAb-negative patients (P = 0.001). Patients with resolved hepatitis B had a higher hepatitis occurrence rate than HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-negative patients (21.8% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.013). HBcAb positivity and elevated baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were independent risk factors for hepatitis. Among the 55 patients with resolved hepatitis B, patients with elevated baseline serum ALT or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were more likely to develop hepatitis than those with normal serum ALT or AST levels (P = 0.037, P = 0.005, respectively). An elevated baseline AST level was an independent risk factor for hepatitis in these patients. Six patients with HBV reactivation recovered after immediate antiviral therapy, and chemotherapy was continued. HBcAb positivity, HBV reactivation, or hepatitis did not negatively affect the survival of DLBCL patients.

Conclusions

DLBCL patients with resolved hepatitis B may have a higher risk of developing HBV reactivation and hepatitis than HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-negative patients. Close monitoring and prompt antiviral therapy are required in these patients.

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

Hepatitis B viral (HBV) reactivation in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Increasingly, lamivudine is being used to prevent hepatitis B reactivation. To assess the effects of prophylactic lamivudine on reactivation and mortality following chemotherapy in lymphoma patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive, we searched Medline/PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge and the Cochrane Library for studies through November 2013. Statistical analysis was performed using REVMAN. Fourteen studies consisting of 636 patients were included in the analysis. The rate of HBV reactivation, incidence of hepatitis and incidence of hepatitis due to HBV reactivation in patients with lamivudine prophylaxis was significantly lower than those with no prophylaxis. Risk ratios [RRs] were 0.25 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.13-0.51; P=0.0001), 0.40 (95% CI 0.26-0.63; P<0.0001), and 0.21 (95% CI 0.09-0.51; P=0.0005) respectively. In addition, patients given prophylactic lamivudine had significant reductions in overall mortality and mortality attributable to HBV reactivation compared with control group. Risk ratios [RRs] were 0.45 (95% CI 0.29-0.70; P=0.0004) and 0.41 (95% CI 0.20-0.84; P=0.01) respectively. Chemotherapy disruption was not significantly different between the two groups. Risk ratios [RRs] were 0.34 (95% CI 0.09-1.26; P=0.11). Prophylactic therapy with lamivudine for HBsAg-positive lymphoma patients who are undergoing chemotherapy may reduce the risk for HBV reactivation, hepatitis due to HBV reactivation, overall mortality and mortality attributable to HBV reactivation. Additionally, patients with preventive lamivudine had a trend towards the decreased incidence of chemotherapy disruption.

[Hepatitis B virus infection in pregnancy and the immunosuppressed patient]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. Although treatment indications are well established in clinical practice guidelines, there are some risk groups, such as pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients, who require different and specific management of HBV infection. In pregnant women, treatment indication should be individualized and the risk of HBV transmission to the newborn evaluated because cases of vertical transmission continue to be reported, despite active and passive immunoprophylaxis. In patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, HBV reactivation is associated with high morbidity and mortality, even in patients with past HBV infection, highlighting the importance of screening and the need to evaluate prophylactic therapy in some cases.

Computerized physician order entry-based system to prevent HBV reactivation in patients treated with biologic agents: the PRESCRIB project

Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) applications are widely used to prevent medical errors. In our center, a CPOE system has been in use since 2009 on both the inpatient and outpatient levels. A new and simple alert was introduced in the CPOE system to notify healthcare providers of the potential risk of viral reactivation when prescribing biological therapies, thereby facilitating the request for a serological profile (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], anti-HBc, and anti-HBs) in patients who have not had these tests. Between May 2012 and May 2013, a total of 1,076 patients undergoing biological treatment were included in the implementation of the CPOE in our hospital, resulting in the identification of 4 HBsAg-positive and 69 anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative patients, two of them with positive viral loads. Since the implementation of this alert system, over 90% of patients who were prescribed a biological drug (BD) have undergone serological screening to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The use of the alert system has increased the screening rate from less than 50% to 94% for HBsAg and from less than 30% to 85% for anti-HBc in patients for whom a BD is prescribed. Six patients received prophylactic antiviral therapy. No patient had HBV reactivation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a CPOE system that has allowed our hospital to increase the rate of HBV screening. Its use has facilitated the identification of patients at high risk for HBV reactivation and permitted physicians to prescribe prophylactic measures according to current guidelines.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation with rituximab-containing regimen

Rituximab is recognized as a useful drug for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and its use has been extended to such diseases as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, chronic rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA-associated vasculitides. One serious complication associated with its use is the reactivation of hepatitis B virus and the search for methods to prevent this occurrence has resulted in the rapid accumulation of knowledge. In this review, we discuss case analyses from our department and other groups and outline the current knowledge on the topic and the remaining issues.

Hepatitis B in immunosuppressed cancer patients: pathogenesis, incidence and prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in immunosuppressed cancer patients is a serious clinical problem for HBV carriers undergoing chemotherapy, because it may result in severe liver injury and prevent completion of life-saving treatment of the underlying malignant disease.

DESIGN

We reviewed the literature on the incidence, pathogenesis and management of hepatitis B in immunosuppressed cancer patients. The role of primary prophylaxis has also been reviewed.

RESULTS

Patients with a previous HBV infection (negative for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], and positive for both hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc] and/or hepatitis B surface antibody [HBsAb]) can experience HBV reactivation. All guidelines support screening of patients with cancer who are about to undergo potentially immunosuppressive therapy, even if the ASCO provisional clinical opinion considers the screening for patients at heightened risk for chronic HBV infection or if undergoing highly immunosuppressive therapy, as hematopoietic cell transplantation and regimens including rituximab. Several meta-analyses support the prophylactic role of lamivudine in preventing HBV reactivation. Most of studies evaluated retrospectively or, if prospectively designed, compared the effect of prophylactic antiviral therapy against historical controls.

CONCLUSION

Screening for HBV should be considered before chemotherapy. Prophylaxis with lamivudine can reduce the incidence of HBV reactivation as well as HBV-related morbidity and mortality. Unsolved issues include the role of antiviral agent with higher potency and less resistance, how to monitor patients for reactivation and when to stop prophylaxis.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation associated with anti-neoplastic therapy

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a known complication during and after anti-cancer therapy. This condition can affect two patient populations: it is most commonly seen in patients who are seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), but it is also being increasingly reported among patients who are HBsAg-negative but who have prior infection, as evident by seropositive status for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), irrespective of their anti-HBs (antibody to HBsAg) status. The clinical course can vary from asymptomatic hepatitis to fulminant hepatic failure that can be potentially fatal. With the increasing use of biological agents in addition to potent cytotoxic chemotherapy in the armamentarium of anti-cancer treatments, reactivation of hepatitis B has become a common clinical situation that is faced by both oncologists and hepatologists especially in HBV endemic areas. In this review, we discuss the clinical course of reactivation in the two HBV-infected sub-populations, and the role of anti-virals in the prevention and management of HBV reactivation in association with cytotoxic chemotherapy and biological therapies.

The efficacy of lamivudine prophylaxis against hepatitis B reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Lamivudine has been recommended as prophylaxis for the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, information on breast cancer patients in particular has been lacking. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the overall efficacy of lamivudine prophylaxis compared to untreated patients with hepatitis B S-antigen (HBsAg) seropositive breast cancer who had undergone chemotherapy.

METHODS

Studies that compared the efficacy of treatment with lamivudine prophylaxis versus no prophylaxis in HBsAg seropositive breast cancer patients were identified through Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases.

RESULTS

Six studies involving 499 patients were analyzed. The rates of HBV reactivation in patients with lamivudine prophylaxis were significantly lower than those with no prophylaxis (risk ratio [RR] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.39, p < 0.00001). Patients given lamivudine prophylaxis had significant reductions in the rates of hepatitis attributable to HBV compared with those not given treatment (RR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.08-0.47, p = 0.002). The rates of moderate and severe hepatitis in patients with lamivudine prophylaxis were significantly lower compared with those patients who had not received prophylaxis (RR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.62, p < 0.003; RR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.59, p = 0.002). Patients given lamivudine prophylaxis had significantly fewer disruptions of chemotherapy (RR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.21-0.64, p = 0.0004). There was no significant heterogeneity in the comparisons.

CONCLUSION

Lamivudine prophylaxis in HBsAg seropositive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is effective in reducing HBV reactivation and HBV-associated morbidity and mortality.

Management of hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is well documented in previously resolved or inactive HBV carriers who receive cancer chemotherapy. The consequences of HBV reactivation range from self-limited conditions to fulminant hepatic failure and death. HBV reactivation also leads to premature termination of chemotherapy or delay in treatment schedules. This review summarizes current knowledge of management of HBV reactivation in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) testing should be performed in patients who require cancer chemotherapy. Four meta-analyses support lamivudine prophylaxis for HBV reactivation during chemotherapy in HBsAg-positive patients. Randomized controlled trials to compare different HBV antiviral agents are needed to define optimal regimens for the prevention and treatment of HBV reactivation in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.

Prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy

With the increasing use of potent immunosuppressive therapy, reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in endemic regions is becoming a clinical problem requiring special attention. A recent annual nationwide survey clarified that HBV reactivation related to immunosuppressive therapy has been increasing in patients with malignant lymphoma, other hematological malignancies, oncological or rheumatological disease. In the survey, rituximab plus steroid-containing chemotherapy was identified as a risk factor for HBV reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative patients with malignant lymphoma. In this setting, HBV reactivation resulted in fatal fulminant hepatitis regardless of the treatment of nucleoside analog. The Intractable Hepatobiliary Disease Study Group and the Study Group for the Standardization of Treatment of Viral Hepatitis Including Cirrhosis jointly developed guidelines for preventing HBV reactivation. The essential features of the guideline are as follows. All patients should be screened for HBsAg by a sensitive method before the start of immunosuppressive therapy. Second, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) testing should be performed in HBsAg negative patients, especially those receiving intensive immunosuppressive therapy. Prophylaxis with nucleoside analogs is essential for preventing HBV reactivation in HBsAg positive patients. In contrast, HBsAg negative with HBcAb and/or HBsAb positive patients should be monitored monthly for an increase in serum HBV DNA during and 12 months after completion of chemotherapy. Nucleoside analogs should be administrated immediately when HBV DNA becomes positive during this period. This strategy facilitates commencement of nucleoside analogs at an early stage of HBV reactivation and results in prevention of severe hepatitis.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A recent meta-analysis has demonstrated an association between hepatitis C virus and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). There is also evidence on the association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and NHL. The aim of this study was to evaluate this evidence using a meta-analytic approach.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE database from 1962 to 2008 for case-control studies that have reported the association of HBV with NHL. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess the prevalence of HBV infection and pooled the results using three different statistical models.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 12 studies with 11 studies (3262 NHL patients, 1,523,205 controls) evaluating HBV infection in NHL and one study (3888 HBV-infected individuals, 205,203 controls) that had investigated for NHL in HBV infection. The OR of detecting HBV infection in NHL when compared with the control population was 2.56 (95% CI, 2.24-2.92) by the fixed effects model; 2.61 (95% CI, 2.29-2.98) by the exact method and 2.67 (95% CI, 2.04-3.49) by the random effects model suggesting a high prevalence of HBV carrier state in lymphoma. There was evidence of statistical heterogeneity which disappeared after exclusion of retrospective studies on sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest a possible causal relation between HBV infection and NHL which needs to be confirmed by experimental and epidemiological studies. In countries where prevalence of HBV infection is 1% or more, it may be prudent to screen patients with NHL for occult HBV infection.

Risk of hepatitis B reactivation and the role of novel agents and stem-cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study is to analyse the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its incidence of reactivation among multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated in the era of novel therapy in an endemic Asian setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2000 to 2008, 273 patients with newly diagnosed MM were screened for the presence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and HBV core antibody. HBV-infected patients were prospectively followed for reactivation with serial monitoring of serum alanine transferase and HBV DNA load. The patterns of HBV reactivation in relation to treatment received, exposure to high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) and novel agents were studied.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HBV infection was 5.5%. Three cases of HBV reactivation despite lamivudine prophylaxis were reported. Two patients reactivated 3-5 months after HDT/ASCT while receiving thalidomide maintenance and one reactivated 3 years after HDT/ASCT and shortly after bortezomib salvage therapy. Emergence of a mutant HBV strain was documented in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of prophylaxis may reduce but will not preclude HBV reactivation. Highest risk occurs during immune reconstitution phase of HDT/ASCT. The role of immunomodulatory agents in HBV reactivation needs to be further elucidated. Separate HBV prophylaxis and surveillance guidelines ought to be developed for patients with MM.

Rituximab-associated hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in lymphoproliferative diseases: meta-analysis and examination of FDA safety reports

BACKGROUND

Rituximab has been associated with hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBV-R). However, the characteristics and scope of this association remain largely undefined.

METHODS

We completed a comprehensive literature search of all published rituximab-associated HBV-R cases and from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) MedWatch database. Literature and FDA cases were compared for completeness, and a meta-analysis was completed.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-three unique cases of rituximab-associated HBV-R were identified from the literature (n = 27 case reports, n = 156 case series). The time from last rituximab to reactivation was 3 months (range 0-12), although 29% occurred >6 months after last rituximab. Within FDA data (n = 118 cases), there was a strong signal for rituximab-associated HBV-R [proportional reporting ratio = 28.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 23.9-34.1; Empiric Bayes Geometric Mean = 26.4, 95% CI 21.4-31.1]. However, the completeness of data in FDA reports was significantly inferior compared with literature cases (P < 0.0001). Among HBV core antibody (HBcAb(+)) series, the pooled effect of rituximab-based therapy showed a significantly increased risk of HBV-R compared with nonrituximab-treated patients (odds ratio 5.73, 95% CI 2.01-16.33; Z = 3.33, P = 0.0009) without heterogeneity (χ(2) = 2.12, P = 0.5473).

CONCLUSIONS

The FDA AERS provided strong HBV-R safety signals; however, literature-based cases provided a significantly more complete description. Furthermore, meta-analysis of HBcAb(+) series identified a more than fivefold increased rate of rituximab-associated HBV-R.

Living donor liver transplantation for acute hepatic failure caused by reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection after chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy: case reports

Cancer chemotherapy in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers occasionally leads to acute hepatic failure (AHF) from viral reactivation resulting in an high mortality rate. In this situation, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can be life saving. Herein we have reported 2 cases of successful LDLT performed for AHF caused by reactivation of HBV infection during chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. In case 1, a 38-year-old male HBV carrier with a neck mass was hisopathologically diagnosed as Hodgkin's lymphoma. During 4 cycles of chemotherapy he developed right upper quadrant pain and jaundice. Laboratory data (alanine amino transferase, 701 U/L, total bilirubin: 7.92 mg/dL, positive hepatitis B e antigen showed that he had experienced an acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis. Soon, he developed grade IV hepatic encephalopathy with a total bilirubin level of 50.56 mg/dL and a model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 40. After LDLT, he has been free of relapse for 52 months so far. In case 2, a 49-year-old male HBV carrier was diagnosed in the chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia. The patient had been under Imatinib treatment for 1 year until he was admitted for AHF. He developed grade II encephalopathy with a total bilirubin of 50.8 mg/dL. We performed LDLT; the patient has been free of relapse for 17 months. LDLT was a life-saving procedure for AHF caused by reactivation of HBV during chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy. It can provide long-term survival if the coexistent hematologic malignancy has been controlled.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus in HBsAg-negative patients with multiple myeloma: two case reports

It was recently reported that hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation had occurred in HBsAg-negative lymphoma patients who received rituximab plus steroid combination chemotherapy. HBV reactivation in myeloma patients have not been reported extensively. We describe here two cases of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative myeloma patients receiving systemic chemotherapy: one from the medical records of 40 patients and another from 61 patients with prospective HBV-DNA monitoring. In the first case positive for anti-HBs, HBV reactivation was diagnosed when hepatitis developed during conventional chemotherapy such as MP and MCP regimen in a relapsed patient after autologous stem cell transplantation (APBSCT); in the second case positive for anti-HBc and anti-HBs, elevation of HBV-DNA was recognized by serial HBV-DNA monitoring performed prospectively following APBSCT. Interestingly, these two cases had the reduction of the titer of anti-HBs during the treatment, followed by HBV reactivation. These clinical data suggest that the HBV-DNA monitoring is necessary for not only HBsAg-positive but also HBsAg-negative myeloma patients with anti-HBc-positive and/or anti-HBs-positive following transplantation and after conventional chemotherapy in the salvage setting. Establishment of a standard strategy to prevent HBV reactivation is important for myeloma patients receiving systemic chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy: diagnosis and management

Nearly one third of the world's population have been infected with hepatitis B and the virus is endemic in many Asian countries. With increasing life expectancy and the expected global increase in cancer, chemotherapy induced reactivation of hepatitis B is likely to become an increasing problem. Patients with significant levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum prior to chemotherapy and patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for hematological malignancies appear particularly at risk. Most patients who suffer reactivation of hepatitis B are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prior to chemotherapy and are therefore easily identifiable by routine screening. In addition, the very large population of patients who have been exposed to the virus and have apparently cleared the virus as assessed by serological testing (HBsAg negative/hepatitis B core antibody [HBcAb] positive) may also be at risk of reactivation. These patients should be monitored and in some cases receive prophylaxis during chemotherapy. Published experience with antiviral prophylaxis has largely been limited to the nucleoside analogue, lamivudine. The commencement of antiviral prophylaxis prior to chemotherapy and its continuation until restitution of normal host immunity is the cornerstone to effective prevention of hepatitis B reactivation. This review summarizes the important issues related to HBV reactivation and suggests an algorithm for managing these patients in the clinical setting.

[Hepatitis B reactivation in an HbsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patient with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving chemotherapy with rituximab]

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with resolved infection is rare and is usually associated with immunosuppressive therapy. Morbidity and mortality are high. Some cases of hepatitis B reactivation associated with the use of rituximab have previously been published. We present the case of a patient with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving combination chemotherapy with rituximab who showed hepatitis B reactivation followed by liver failure. The most recent literature on this topic is reviewed and discussed.

Fulminant hepatitis B and acute hepatitis B due to intrafamilial transmission of HBV after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in an HBV carrier

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after chemotherapy has been investigated, but little is known about the risk of horizontal transmission from an immunocompromised host with HBV reactivation. We treated two children with fulminant hepatitis B and acute hepatitis B, respectively, whose grandmother, an HBV carrier, had been undergoing rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R+CHOP) therapy for lymphoma. The grandmother was also suffering from fulminant hepatitis when both children became ill. The complete HBV DNA sequences of the three family members were identical. The full genome sequence analysis of HBV provided strong evidence of intrafamilial transmission of HBV. Treatments that cause immunosuppression, such as R+CHOP therapy for lymphoma, can increase the levels of serum HBV DNA and the risk of intrafamilial HBV infection when given to HBV carriers. In conclusion, specific antiviral prophylaxis is indispensable for preventing horizontal transmission as well as reactivation of HBV in chemotherapy-treated HBV carriers.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in a surface antigen-negative and antibody-positive patient after rituximab plus CHOP chemotherapy

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets B-lymphocytes, and it is widely used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, its use has been implicated in HBV reactivation that's related with the immunosuppressive effects of rituximab. Although the majority of reactivations occur in hepatitis B carriers, a few cases of reactivation have been reported in HBsAg negative patients. However, reactivation in an HBsAg negative/HBsAb positive patient after rituximab treatment has never been reported in Korea. We present here an HBsAg-negative/HBsAb-positive 66-year-old female who displayed reactivation following rituximab plus CHOP chemotherapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. While she was negative for HBsAg at diagnosis, her viral status was changed at the time of relapse as follows: HBsAg positive, HBsAb negative, HBeAg positive, HBeAb negative and an HBV DNA level of 1165 pg/ml. Our observation suggests that we should monitor for HBV reactivation during rituximab treatment when prior HBV infection or occult infection is suspected, and even in the HBsAg negative/HBsAb positive cases.

The effectiveness of lamivudine in preventing hepatitis B viral reactivation in rituximab-containing regimen for lymphoma

In rituximab-containing regimen for lymphoma, the role of lamivudine therapy has not been well established. Therefore, in this nonrandomized phase II clinical study, hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with B-cell lymphoma who received rituximab-containing regimen were treated with oral administration of lamivudine. The incidence and severity of hepatitis along with other adverse clinical outcomes were analyzed. Between January 2003 and March 2006, 29 consecutive patients were enrolled. Four of the 29 patients (13.8%) developed hepatitis during chemotherapy, none of which was attributed to HBV reactivation. According to WHO acute toxicity assessment criteria, the severity of hepatitis was grade I in two patients (6.9%) and grade II in two patients (6.9%). In these four patients, only one (3.5%) had interval delay in chemotherapy. No patient had total abnormal bilirubin. No patient had died as the result of hepatitis during the treatment. Interestingly, one of the 29 patients developed HBV activation 5.1 months after the withdrawal of lamivudine. This patient recovered after reinstallation of lamivudine therapy and is still alive. Consequently, our study confirmed previous reports that prophylactic lamivudine therapy can prevent HBV reactivation in HBV carriers who were receiving rituximab-containing regimen for lymphoma.

Hepatitis B reactivation during adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer: a single institution's experience

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence, outcome and risk factors for HBV reactivation in HBsAg positive breast cancer patients while on anthracycline -based adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2,431 patients with early breast cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy from March 2001 to December 2005. Among these patients, 111 HBsAg positive women were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (33.3%) developed acute hepatitis, of which 23 (20.7%) were related to HBV reactivation. Univariate analysis showed that an age > or = 7 years (p 0 .034) and abnormal sonographic findings such as a fatty liver or cirrhotic changes (p= 0 .034) were associated with HBV reactivation. However, an HBeAg positive status and the use of corticosteroids were not. Multivariate analysis found that no clinical factors could predict HBV reactivation during chemotherapy. All 23 patients who developed HBV reactivation received lamivudine as a therapeutic measure at the time of HBV reactivation. Despite the use of lamivudine, disruption in the chemotherapy protocol occurred in 18 patients (78.3%) and 14 of these patients had premature termination of their chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV reactivation occurred in a significant proportion of HBsAg positive patients during adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Once hepatitis developed, most patients could not finish the chemotherapy as planned despite lamivudine treatment. Until the risk factors for reactivation are clearly identified, HbsAg-positive patients should begin prophylactic antiviral treatment before initiating chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation following immunosuppressive therapy: guidelines for prevention and management

It is well known that immunosuppressive drugs or cancer chemotherapy can stimulate replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and precipitate severe flares of HBV infection. The risk of this syndrome of 'reactivation hepatitis B' is highest in haematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant recipients and in those undergoing chemotherapy for haematological malignancies; however, it has been described following almost any form of immunosuppressive treatment. Fortunately, it can be largely prevented by prophylactic therapy with oral anti-HBV nucleoside/nucleotide analogues. Importantly, chronic HBV infection is usually asymptomatic, and most patients at risk are likely to be unaware that they carry the infection. Thus, the key to avoiding this potentially fatal complication of immunosuppressive treatment is to ensure that all patients at risk of chronic HBV infection are screened for the disease before commencing immunosuppressive treatment or chemotherapy.

A prospective study on chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation in chronic HBs Ag carriers with hematologic malignancies and pre-emptive therapy with nucleoside analogues

Chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a serious problem in chronic HBV carriers with hematologic malignancies. In 12 patients with hematologic malignancies, we performed a prospective study to determine the effectiveness of nucleoside analogues in the pre-emptive therapy of chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation. HBV reactivation occurred in seven patients (58.3%) whereas five of the seven patients (71%) responded to nucleoside analogue therapy. HBV reactivation-related acute liver failure and death was not observed in the present study. All five patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) experienced chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation regardless of the chemotherapy regimen. Therefore, we suggest that CLL carries a significant risk of chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation. The pre-emptive therapy of chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation appears to be safe, based on the results of this pilot study. Pre-emptive therapy enables the definition of high-risk patients who cannot be identified by primary prophylaxis.

Hepatitis B and C virus infections and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy: guidelines for clinical approach

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) therapy has recently been recognized to be associated with activation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with a potentially fatal outcome, mirroring experience in the setting of immune suppression and subsequent reconstitution in cancer chemotherapy and transplantation. Although there is no current evidence that anti-TNF therapy influences the natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the involvement of TNF in the pathogenesis of hepatic injury and extrapolation from other clinical situations heighten awareness of a potential conflict. Preventive strategies should be mandatory. These include screening of all patients for HBV and HCV infection prior to commencement of anti-TNF therapy, and active monitoring of aminotransferases and, for HBV, viral load during and for 3 months after therapy has terminated. Prophylactic or early intervention strategies with nucleoside analogs are recommended for patients with evidence of HBV infection.

Lamivudine prophylaxis reduces the incidence and severity of hepatitis in hepatitis B virus carriers who receive chemotherapy for lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common disease in China. Severe hepatitis is a well recognized complication in HBV carriers with malignant disease who receive cytotoxic chemotherapy. The objective of the current study was to assess the value of antiviral lamivudine for reducing the incidence and severity of hepatitis in HBV carriers with lymphoma who receive chemotherapy.

METHODS

Two groups were compared in this nonrandomized study. The prophylactic lamivudine group was comprised of 40 patients who received oral lamivudine at a dose of 100 mg daily before and until at least 8 weeks after they discontinued chemotherapy. The historic control group was comprised of 116 patients who received chemotherapy without lamivudine. The incidence and severity of hepatitis and other adverse clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Significant prognostic factors for the development of hepatitis were determined based on data derived from the control group.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in most clinical baseline characteristics, including gender distribution, age, tumor types, primary treatment, hepatitis Be antigen status, and the use of anthracyclines or/and prednisone. In the prophylactic lamivudine group, there was significantly less incidence of hepatitis (17.5% vs. 51.7% in the control group; P = 0.000); less severe hepatitis (according to World Health Organization [WHO] criteria) (10% with Grade 1, 5% with Grade 2, and 2.5% with Grade 3 hepatitis vs. 3.4% with Grade 1, 12.1% with Grade 2, 12.9% with Grade 3, and 23.3% with Grade 4 hepatitis in the control group; P = 0.000); and less disruption of chemotherapy (10.0% vs. 37.1% in the control group; P = 0.001). The overall mortality as a result of hepatitis in the prophylactic lamivudine group was lower compared with that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (0.0% vs. 5.2%; P = 0.163). In the control group, the factor associated with a greater risk of developing hepatitis was the use of prednisone. In the prophylactic lamivudine group, 1 of 40 patients (2.5%) developed hepatitis that was attributable to HBV reactivation. Further examination demonstrated that this single patient had a variation of HBV with YMDD mutations after the use of lamivudine for 9.2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study confirmed previous reports that lamivudine prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence and severity of hepatitis in HBV carriers who were receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma. The chemotherapy disruption rate as a result of severe hepatitis also was decreased significantly.

Long-term hepatic consequences of chemotherapy-related HBV reactivation in lymphoma patients

AIM: To investigate the long-term consequences of chemotherapy-related HBV reactivation in patients with lymphoma.

METHODS: This study was based on the database of published prospective study evaluating HBV reactivation in HBV lymphoma patients during chemotherapy. Deteriorated liver reserve (DLR) was defined as development of either one of the following conditions during follow-up: (1) newly onset parenchyma liver disease, splenomegaly or ascites without evidence of lymphoma involvement; (2) decrease of the ratio (albumin/globulin ratio) to less than 0.8 or increase of the ratio of INR of prothrombin time to larger than 1.2 without evidence of malnutrition or infection. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed by imaging studies.

RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included. The median follow-up was 6.2 years (range, 3.9-8.1 years). There were 31 patients with and 18 patients without HBV reactivation. Although there was no difference of overall survival (OS) and chemotherapy response rate between the two groups, DLR developed more frequently in patients with HBV reactivation (48.4% vs 16.7%; P = 0.0342). Among the HBV reactivators, HBV genotype C was associated with a higher risk of developing DLR (P = 0.0768) and liver cirrhosis (P = 0.003). Four of five patients with sustained high titer of HBV DNA and two of three patients with multiple HBV reactivation developed DLR. Further, patients with a sustained high titer of HBV DNA had the shortest OS among the HBV reactivators (P = 0.0000). No patients in the non-HBV reactivation group developed hepatic failure or liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy-related HBV reactivation is associated with the long-term effect of deterioration of hepatic function.

Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma With Lamivudine

PURPOSE

Although the mainstay of treatment of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) had been radiotherapy, chemotherapy has increasingly been adopted in conjunction with radiation and in advanced disease. In parts of Asia where NPC is prevalent, it is also known that around 10% of the population has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Cancer patients who are HBV carriers are frequently complicated by HBV reactivation during chemotherapy. This may result in liver damage, which disrupts anticancer therapy and compromises the patients' prognosis. In its most severe form, fatal hepatic failure may occur. With the increasing use of chemotherapy in NPC, the occurrence of HBV reactivation is likely to increase further. Although recent reports have suggested that the antiviral agent lamivudine may reduce HBV reactivation and its associated morbidity, there has been no data on this aspect in NPC patients. This study assessed the role of lamivudine in preventing HBV reactivation and its associated morbidity in NPC patients who have chronic HBV infection and are undergoing chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups were studied. One group consisted of 16 patients who received prophylactic lamivudine prior to and until 8 weeks after discontinuing chemotherapy. The other comprised 21 historical control subjects who underwent chemotherapy without prophylactic lamivudine. The outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

With prophylactic lamivudine, there were significantly fewer incidences of hepatitis (6.7% vs 33.3%, P = 0.047) and HBV reactivation (0% vs 28.6%, P = 0.027), and less disruption of chemotherapy (18.8% vs 67.7%, P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic lamivudine significantly reduces the incidence and morbidity of HBV reactivation in NPC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B reactivation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing systemic chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients who are hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and undergoing chemotherapy (CT) may be complicated by HBV reactivation. Over 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are HBV carriers; however, the incidence of HBV reactivation during CT has not been well-reported. A prospective study was conducted to determine the incidence of HBV reactivation, the associated morbidity and mortality, and possible risk factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

102 HBsAg-positive patients with inoperable HCC underwent systemic CT. Patients received either combination cisplatin, interferon, doxorubicin and fluorouracil (PIAF) or single-agent doxorubicin. They were followed up during and for 8 weeks after CT.

RESULTS

In 102 patients, 59 (58%) developed hepatitis amongst whom 37 (36%) were attributable to HBV reactivation. Twelve (30%) died of HBV reactivation. CT was interrupted in 32 patients (86%) with reactivation and 54 (83%) without reactivation (P>0.05). The median survivals were 6.00 and 5.62 months, respectively (P=0.694). Elevated baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was found to be a risk factor.

CONCLUSION

HBV reactivation is a common cause of liver damage during CT in HBsAg-positive HCC patients. The only identifiable associated risk factor was elevated pre-treatment ALT. Further studies into the role of antiviral and novel anticancer therapies are required to improve the prognosis of these patients.

High hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA viral load is an important risk factor for HBV reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during cytotoxic chemotherapy for cancer may complicate treatment and cause liver damage. The complication has been reported to occur in 10% to over 50% of HBV carriers, but the factors that determine which patients will develop reactivation remain unclear. The objective of the study is to test the hypothesis that the prechemotherapy HBV DNA level is a risk factor for the development of HBV reactivation. We studied 41 women undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer, 17 of whom developed reactivation and 24 who did not. We developed a novel, ultra-sensitive, real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the measurement of HBV DNA. The sera of 37 patients (16 who developed reactivation and 21 who did not) were available for measurement of HBV DNA using this technique. The results showed that patients in the reactivation group had a significantly higher median HBV DNA load (1.03 x 10(6) copies/mL; range <2.9 x 10(3) to 8.723 x 10(7)) than did the nonreactivation group (<2.9 x 10(3) copies/ml; range <2.9 x 10(3) to 6.331 x 10(7)) (P < 0.001). The optimal cut-off between the two groups was found to be at serum HBV DNA level of 3 x 10(5), which gave a sensitivity of 81.0% and a specificity of 85.0%. In conclusion, for breast cancer patients receiving standard cytotoxic chemotherapy, a high HBV viral load prior to the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy is a significant predictive factor for the development of HBV reactivation. Such information may be useful in determining which patients would benefit most from prophylactic antiviral therapy during cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Prophylactic lamivudine prevents hepatitis B reactivation in chemotherapy patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B virus carriers receiving chemotherapy develop a high hepatitis B virus reactivation rate (38-53%) with a high mortality (37-60%). Few studies have characterized the efficacy of lamivudine in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation.

AIM

To determine whether lamivudine prophylaxis reduces chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation and mortality.

METHODS

The medical records of all hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients with malignancy treated with chemotherapy since 1995 at the National University Hospital of Singapore were identified, and divided into those who received lamivudine prophylaxis before chemotherapy (P) and those who did not (NP). The parameters examined included gender, age, malignancy type, steroid usage, number of chemotherapy courses and regimens, follow-up duration and hepatitis B virus status. The outcome measures were hepatitis B virus reactivation (abrupt rise of serum alanine aminotransferase to > 200 IU/L) and reactivation death. Patients with primary hepatoma or liver metastasis were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were identified: 16 in the P group and 19 in the NP group. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. Seven of the 19 patients in the NP group and none of the 16 patients in the P group developed reactivation (36.8% vs. 0%, P=0.009). Six of the seven patients in the NP group who developed reactivation received lamivudine at that time, but five died (mortality, 71.4%), whilst no patient in the P group died from reactivation (P=0.064).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic lamivudine appears to prevent hepatitis B virus reactivation and its associated mortality in patients treated with chemotherapy. This should be confirmed with prospective studies.

Reactivation of replication of hepatitis B and C viruses after immunosuppressive therapy: an unresolved issue

The liver is susceptible to the toxic effects of many cytotoxic or immunosuppressive treatments. However, in carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and, less frequently, of hepatitis C virus, liver damage due to reactivation of viral replication can occur after withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs. These reactivations, which are associated with fulminant forms of hepatitis in up to 25% of cases, are observed both in symptom-free chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen and in patients who have chronic hepatitis B or C and concurrent haematological tumours or solid neoplasms or who have received transplants. HBV-related complications may cause delays or modifications of therapy, and the chance of cure is reduced. In this review, we analyse clinical, biochemical, and serological issues in reactivation of viral replication and examine the role of immune reactions in the pathogenesis and the possible toxicity of immunosuppressive drugs. We emphasise the importance of identifying predictive markers of a clinically relevant reactivation, review difficulties in drug prevention and treatment, indicate studies that are needed to address the key clinical issues, and give practical recommendations to practising physicians and oncologists.

Successful long-term control with lamivudine against reactivated hepatitis B infection following intensive chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: experience of 2 cases

It is well documented that cytotoxic treatment in patients carrying the hepatitis B virus (HBV) enhances the risk of severe hepatic damage. Recently lamivudine has been reported to be effective in suppressing the replication of HBV under such conditions. Here we report two cases with HBV carrier status and with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who were successfully treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with the administration of lamivudine to prevent HBV flare-up. The antiviral effect of lamivudine was fair, and no objective side effect was experienced during the transplant procedure. Both patients were followed carefully for more than a year without the appearance of the resistant virus. The rebound phenomenon in which HBV proliferates abruptly has not been experienced after withdrawal of lamivudine. We suggest that lamivudine is indicated both in the treatment of HBV viremia and in the prevention of proliferation of HBV in patients with HBV carrier status undergoing high-dose myeloablative chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B virus infection and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a hepatitis B endemic area: a case-control study

Several studies have reported a higher prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and suggested a pathogenic role for HCV, but studies on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are limited. To determine the association between HBV infection and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, we performed a case-control study in Korea, a hepatitis B endemic area. We recruited 222 patients newly diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at Seoul National University Hospital between January 1997 and December 1998 as cases. Four age- and sex-matched controls were selected for each case, and the control groups comprised of 439 patients with non-hematological malignancy (control group 1) and 444 subjects with non-malignant conditions (control group 2). Relative risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among individuals tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen was calculated after controlling for other potential risk factors of lymphoma, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, transfusion history and HCV infection. Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 28 of 222 patients (12.6%) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma compared with 32 of 439 (7.3%) in control group 1, and 21 of 444 (4.7%) in control group 2 (P = 0.001). The crude odds ratio for B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among the HBV carriers was 2.54 (1.46 - 4.45) and the adjusted odds ratio was 3.30 (1.69 - 6.45) by multivariate analysis. The present study suggests that the risk of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is increased in HBV carriers and warrants further investigation of the possible role of hepatitis B virus in the pathogenesis of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Lamivudine for the treatment of hepatitis B virus reactivation following chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be accompanied by severe hepatitis. Of 86 consecutive NHL patients, 11 (12.8%) exhibited a positive serum HBsAg. Six of these patients (54.5%) developed acute exacerbation of chronic HBV infection following chemotherapy and received lamivudine. Five of the six patients demonstrated a clinical improvement, one patient died from fulminant hepatic failure owing to delayed lamivudine therapy and poor compliance. These data suggest that HBsAg screening is necessary before commencing chemotherapy for NHL patients in a hyperendemic area and that lamivudine is effective in treating hepatitis B reactivation during chemotherapy.

Primary prophylaxis with lamivudine of hepatitis B virus reactivation in chronic HbsAg carriers with lymphoid malignancies treated with chemotherapy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation of various degrees of severity, including fulminant hepatitis, may develop in 20-50% of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HbsAg)-positive patients undergoing immunosuppressive or cytostatic treatment. Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue that can directly suppress HBV replication. We have performed a pilot study to test the efficacy and tolerability of lamivudine as a primary prophylaxis of HBV reactivation in 20 consecutive patients treated for haematological malignancies, mainly of lymphoid origin. Lamivudine, 100 mg/d, was given orally from the start until 1 month after the end of chemotherapy, which included corticosteroids and/or purine analogues in 85% of cases. It was well tolerated and did not cause any unexpected reduction of cytostatic drugs dosages. The chemotherapy programme was completed in all patients without modifications. A transient threefold increase in serum amylase was observed in one case. HBV-DNA levels decreased in six out of six patients (P = 0.039) and ALT levels in five out of six patients (P = 0.057) whose serum levels were abnormal at the onset of therapy. Two patients developed transient hepatitis. HBV reactivation was documented in only one of these patients who had stopped lamivudine 1 month before. No signs of HBV reactivation were detected both during and after treatment in 18 patients with a median follow-up of 6 months (range 3-12). Thus, primary prophylaxis with lamivudine may be a well tolerated and effective method to reduce the frequency of chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation in chronic HBsAg carriers.

A possible role for lamivudine as prophylaxis against hepatitis B reactivation in carriers of hepatitis B who undergo chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, a well-known complication in immunosuppressed patients, can give rise to acute hepatitis and even fatal fulminant hepatitis. Three Japanese males with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who were carriers of HBV received high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). To prevent HBV reactivation, all received oral lamivudine (150 mg/day), a nucleoside analogue, at the start of chemotherapy. All were treated at full-dose intensity, including corticosteroids, without modification of treatment regimens. All three patients completed the total course of chemotherapy and PBSCT, with no signs of HBV reactivation. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvests and hematological recoveries after transplantation were not affected by lamivudine, which was continued for at least 16 weeks after transplantation. HBV-DNA and DNA polymerase levels remained negative/normal after discontinuation of lamivudine. Lamivudine effectively inhibits HBV replication and has few serious adverse effects, particularly those related to hematopoiesis. Thus, prophylactic use of lamivudine from initiation of chemotherapy deserves consideration in the treatment of HBV carriers who require immunosuppressive chemotherapy, and may prevent HBV reactivation.