Systematic review: lamivudine prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced reactivation of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Consensus Guidelines: Best Practices for the Prevention, Detection and Management of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Clinical Trials with Immunosuppressive/Immunomodulatory Therapy

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) during and after immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory (IS/IM) therapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including hepatic decompensation and acute liver failure. The risk of HBVr with IS/IM has been heterogeneous and often unpredictable. As a result, patients with active or previous HBV infection are often excluded from clinical drug trials of such agents. Thorough screening for HBV infection, antiviral prophylaxis, and careful monitoring for HBVr have proven to be effective in reducing the rate of HBVr and improving its outcome in the context of IS/IM. Therefore, safe enrollment and management of certain HBV-marker-positive patients in clinical trials is possible. There is a great, unmet need for consistent, evidence-based recommendations for best practices pertaining to enrollment, monitoring, and management of HBVr in clinical trial participants receiving IS/IM. The aim of these consensus guidelines is to provide a step-by-step blueprint to safely enroll, monitor and manage the patient with inactive chronic or resolved HBV in IS/IM clinical trials from the time of screening through to the end of post-treatment follow up.

Efficacy of Antiviral Prophylaxis up to 6 or 12 Months From Completion of Rituximab in Resolved Hepatitis B Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Rituximab occasionally induces reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients with resolved HBV, at times with fatal consequences. The optimal duration of prophylactic antiviral therapy in this situation is unclear. We aimed to investigate the difference in HBV reactivation according to the duration of prophylactic tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with resolved HBV and receiving rituximab.

METHODS

A multicenter, randomized, open-label, prospective study was conducted in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative and anti-HBc-positive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with rituximab-based chemotherapy. A total of 90 patients were randomized and received prophylactic TDF from the initiation of rituximab until 6 months (the 6-month group) or 12 months (the 12-month group) after the completion of rituximab. The primary outcome was the difference in HBV reactivation and the secondary outcomes were the difference in hepatitis flare and adverse events between the two groups.

RESULTS

In an intention to treat (ITT) analysis, HBV reactivation occurred in 1 of 43 patients (2.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-12%) at a median of 13.3 months in the 6-month group and 2 of 41 patients (4.9%; 95% CI, 1.4-16%) at a median of 13.7 months in the 12-month group. In a per protocol (PP) analysis, HBV reactivation occurred in 1 of 18 patients (5.6%; 95% CI, 0.99-26%) at 13.3 months in the 6-month group and 1 of 13 patients (7.7%; 95% CI, 1.4-33%) at 9.7 months in the 12-month group. The cumulative incidence of HBV reactivation was not significantly different between the two groups in ITT and PP analyses (P = 0.502 and 0.795, respectively). The occurrence of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups in ITT (9.3% in the 6-month group, 22.0% in the 12-month group, P = 0.193) and PP analyses (5.6% in the 6-month group, 7.7% in the 12-month group, P > 0.999).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic TDF up to 6 months after completion of rituximab-based chemotherapy is sufficient in terms of the efficacy and safety of reducing HBV reactivation in patients with resolved HBV.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02585947.

Efficacy of nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs) in preventing virus reactivation in oncology patients with HBV infection after chemotherapy or surgery: A network meta-analysis

Objective

In this study, we aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of NAs in decreasing the reactivation of HBV, reducing chemotherapy disruption, and improving survival in oncology patients.

Methods

Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the impact of NAs in HBV infected-related oncology patients were retrieved from electronic databases. The outcome indicators included reactivation rate, survival rate of 1 to 3 years after treatment, and chemotherapy disruption rate. The studies were evaluated for bias using the RCT risk of bias assessment tool recommended in the Cochrane Handbook. The risk ratio (RR) was used to compare the outcome indicators for the anti-viral treatment, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) was used to identify the optimal therapeutic regime.

Results

A total of 67 trials containing 5722 patients were included in this study. Regarding the reduction of reactivation rate, entecavir, lamivudine, adefovir alone were less effective than the combination of lamivudine and entecavir (94.9%), with RR values ranging from 3.16 to 3.73. However, based on SUCRA, the efficacy of telbivudine (80.3%) and the combination of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil (58.8%) were also acceptable. Entecavir (RR values ranging from 1.25 to 1.50) and lamivudine (RR values ranging from 1.27 to 1.35) can prolong the survival rate of patients at 1-3 years, and were better than adefovir dipivoxil in the comparison of 1-year survival rate. The RR values were 1.18 and 1.19, respectively. And entecavir 's ranking in SUCRA was more stable. Entecavir, lamivudine, and tenofovir all reduced chemotherapy interruption rates compared with no antiviral therapy, especially for tenofovir.

Conclusions

Current evidence shows that lamivudine combined with entecavir, telbivudine, and lamivudine combined with adefovir dipivoxil were the most effective in preventing virus reactivation in HBV infected-related cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Entecavir had the most stable effect on survival, while tenofovir had the best impact on reducing the chemotherapy disruption rate. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROI [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/index.php], identifier CRD4202250685.

Lamivudine 24-month-long prophylaxis is a safe and efficient choice for the prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation in HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients with advanced DLBCL undergoing upfront R-CHOP-21

Introduction

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a condition where replication-competent hepatitis B virus-DNA (HBV-DNA) is present in the liver, with or without HBV-DNA in the blood [<200 international units (IU)/ml or absent] in HB surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative/HB core antibody (HBcAb)-positive individuals. In patients with advanced stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) undergoing 6 cycles of R-CHOP-21+2 additional R, OBI reactivation is a frequent and severe complication. There is no consensus among recent guidelines on whether a pre-emptive approach or primary antiviral prophylaxis is the best solution in this setting of patients. In addition, questions still unresolved are the type of prophylactic drug against HBV and adequate prophylaxis duration.

Methods

In this case-cohort study, we compared a prospective series of 31 HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients with newly diagnosed high-risk DLBCL receiving lamivudine (LAM) prophylaxis 1 week before R-CHOP-21+2R until 18 months after (24-month LAM series) versus 96 HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients (from January 2005 to December 2011) undergoing a pre-emptive approach (pre-emptive cohort) and versus 60 HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients, from January 2012 to December 2017, receiving LAM prophylaxis [1 week before immunochemotherapy (ICHT) start until 6 months after] (12-month LAM cohort). Efficacy analysis focused primarily on ICHT disruption and secondarily on OBI reactivation and/or acute hepatitis.

Results

In the 24-month LAM series and in the 12-month LAM cohort, there were no episodes of ICHT disruption versus 7% in the pre-emptive cohort (P = 0.05). OBI reactivation did not occur in any of the 31 patients in the 24-month LAM series versus 7 out of 60 patients (10%) in the 12-month LAM cohort or 12 out of 96 (12%) patients in the pre-emptive cohort (P = 0.04, by χ ² test). No patients in the 24-month LAM series developed acute hepatitis compared with three in the 12-month LAM cohort and six in the pre-emptive cohort.

Discussion

This is the first study collecting data regarding a consistent and homogeneous large sample of 187 HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients undergoing standard R-CHOP-21 for aggressive lymphoma. In our study, 24-month-long prophylaxis with LAM appears to be the most effective approach with a null risk of OBI reactivation, hepatitis flare-up, and ICHT disruption.

Prevention of hepatitis B reactivation in patients requiring chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can lead to severe acute hepatic failure and death in patients with HBV infection. HBV reactivation (HBVr) most commonly develops in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, especially B cell-depleting agent therapy such as rituximab and ofatumumab for hematological or solid organ malignancies and that receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without antiviral prophylaxis. In addition, the potential consequences of HBVr is particularly a concern when patients are exposed to either immunosuppressive or biologic therapies for the management of rheumatologic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and dermatologic diseases. Thus, screening with HBV serological markers and prophylactic or pre-emptive antiviral treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues should be considered in these patients to diminish the risk of HBVr. This review discusses the clinical manifestation, prognosis and management of HBVr, risk stratifications of cancer chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy and international guideline recommendations for the prevention of HBVr in patients with HBV infection and resolved hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B Virus Screening Before Cancer Chemotherapy in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Background: Reactivation of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) during cancer chemotherapy is a severe and sometimes fatal complication. In 2009, the National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan recommended and reimbursed screening for HBV infection and prophylactic antiviral therapy before cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we determined the HBV screening rate in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Taiwan.

Methods: We retrospectively collected data from the National Health Insurance Research Database on patients who received systemic chemotherapy for solid or hematologic cancers from January 2000 through December 2012. We defined HBV screening based on testing for serum HBsAg within 2 years of the first chemotherapy commencement. We calculated overall and annual HBV screening rates in all patients and subgroups of age, gender, cancer type, hospital level, physician's department, and implementation of NHI reimbursement for HBV screening before cancer chemotherapy.

Results: We enrolled 379,639 patients. The overall HBV screening rate was 45.9%. The screening rates were higher in males, those with hematological cancer, those at non-medical centers and medical departments. The HBV screening rates before (2000–2008) and after the implementation of NHI reimbursement (2009–2012) were 38.1 and 57.5%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The most common practice pattern of HBV screening was only HBsAg (64.6%) followed by HBsAg/HBsAb (22.1%), and HBsAg/HBcAb/HBsAb (0.7%) (p < 0.0001). The annual HBV screening rate increased from 31.5 to 66.3% (p < 0.0001). The screening rates of solid and hematological cancers significantly increased by year; however, the trend was greater in solid cancer than in hematological cancer (35.9 and 26.2%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The HBV screening rate before cancer chemotherapy was fair but increased over time. These figures improved after implementing a government-based strategy; however, a mandatory hospital-based strategy might improve awareness of HBV screening and starting prophylactic antiviral therapy before cancer chemotherapy.

Comparison of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Entecavir in the Prophylaxis of HBV Reactivation

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend starting antiviral prophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppressive treatments (IST). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for prophylaxis.

METHODS

Patients, who were HBsAg and/or anti-HBc IgG positive and scheduled to receive IST for oncologic and hematologic diseases, were enrolled into the study. Those who were already receiving an antiviral treatment for HBV or had an associated HIV, hepatitis C, D were excluded. The remaining patients with a prophylaxis indication according to the AGA guideline were randomized to receive either ETV (0.5 mg/day) or TDF (245 mg/day). Prophylaxis was continued for 6-12 months after completion of IST. Patients were followed up for 1 year after completion of prophylaxis. The HBV reactivation rates and side effects of the drugs were compared.

RESULTS

The study group included 120 patients. There was no significant difference between the demographic data, viral serologic parameters and reactivation risk profiles of the ETV (n = 60) and TDF (n = 60) groups. Forty-one patients in the ETV and 36 in the TDF group completed the antiviral prophylaxis, and no HBV reactivation was observed. HBV reactivation was observed in 4 of 37 patients (10.8%) in the ETV group and 5 of 35 (14.3%) patients in the TDF group (including one with flare) during the follow-up after completion of prophylaxis. Ten patients in the ETV group (16.7%) and 14 patients (23.3%) in the TDF group experienced side effects (p = 0.77). One patient in the TDF group had to switch to ETV due to severe itchy, maculopapular rash-like lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

ETV and TDF had a similar efficacy in the prophylaxis of HBV reactivation in patients undergoing IST, with none of the patients experiencing reactivation.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with hematologic disorders

Hepatitis B reactivation is the reappearance or rise of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in patients with past or chronic HBV infection, usually occurring in the context of immunosuppression. HBV reactivation has been most commonly reported in patients with hematologic disorders, with potentially serious and life-threatening consequences. In this review, we discuss the basis and presentation of HBV reactivation, and risk factors in terms of the host, the virus and the immunosuppression regimen, including newer agents used to manage hematologic malignancies. We overview the management of HBV reactivation, highlighting an up-dated recommendation on the use of newer nucleoside and nucleotide analogs, such as tenofovir and entecavir, for antiviral prophylaxis.

Neurologic and Medical Management of Brain Tumors

Patients with brain tumor encounter a wide spectrum of tumor and treatment-related complications during their disease course. Tumors may serve as seizure substrates, are associated with a hypercoagulable state that results in thromboembolic complications, and may influence mood and cognition. Antitumor and supportive therapies may also have deleterious effects. Herein, we discuss major aspects of supportive care for patients with brain tumors, with attention to benefit and complications derived from the management of seizures, brain edema, venous thromboembolism, fatigue, mood alterations, and cognitive dysfunction.

Antiviral prophylaxis during chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drug therapy to prevent HBV reactivation in patients with resolved HBV infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Until recently, the role of antiviral prophylaxis in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy in patients with resolved HBV infection was unclear. The aim of the study reported here was to compare the efficacy of antiviral prophylaxis versus that of non-prophylaxis in resolved HBV-infected patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.

METHODS

PubMed, the Cochrane library, and the ClinicalTrials.gov website were searched from inception until December 2017. Studies comparing reactivation in prophylaxis versus non-prophylaxis in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy were included. The meta-analysis was performed to calculate the relative risk (RR) and the pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A meta-analysis was conducted of 13 studies (2 randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 11 cohort studies). The summary RR for HBV reactivation was 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-1.69) for antiviral prophylaxis versus non-prophylaxis. Both of the RCTs included in the meta-analysis enrolled patients treated with rituximab. Subgroup analyses showed that the two RCTs ± high-quality cohort studies showed a decreased risk of HBV reactivation among the antiviral prophylaxis groups (RCT 1: RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.70; P = 0.02; RCT 2: 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.98; P = 0.05). Subgroup analyses further showed that the cohort studies did not support an association between the antiviral prophylaxis groups and HBV reactivation (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.14-2.83; P = 0.54); adjusting for confounding factors, such as detectable anti-HBs antibodies, failed to produce a significant association (RR,0.29, 95% CI 0.07-1.28; P = 0.10).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analyses did not show an association between antiviral prophylaxis use and risk of HBV reactivation. As using only the RCTs ± high-quality cohort studies data rendered this association significant, clinicians can consider providing antiviral prophylaxis to patients with resolved HBV infection who are undergoing rituximab-based therapy.

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.

Systematic review with network meta-analysis: Comparative efficacy of oral nucleos(t)ide analogues for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation

Objectives

Currently, no consensus exists regarding the optimal oral prophylactic regimens for hepatitis B surface antigen seropositive patients undergoing chemotherapy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of oral nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), including lamivudine, entecavir, adefovir, telbivudine and tenofovir, for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and its related morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic HBV (CHB) infection.

Results

Fifty-two eligible articles consisting of 3892 participants were included. For HBV reactivation, prophylactic treatment with NAs were all significantly superior to no prophylaxis, with odds ratio (OR) from 0.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00~0.04) for the most effective intervention (tenofovir) to 0.10 (95% CI 0.06~0.14) for the least effective intervention (lamivudine). For secondary outcomes, prophylaxis with NAs also significantly outperformed observation. The results suggested that entecavir reduced the risk of HBV related hepatitis (predicted probability, 83%), HBV related death (68%) and all causes of hepatitis (97%) most efficaciously. It ranked second in decreasing all causes of death (34%).

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library database were searched for controlled trials up to March 31, 2015. Primary outcome was the incidence of HBV reactivation. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of HBV-related hepatitis and death, all causes of hepatitis and death. Network meta-analysis combined direct and indirect evidence to estimate ORs for the clinical outcomes. A mean ranking and the probability of optimal therapeutic regime was obtained for each treatment based on clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Available evidence suggests that prophylatic therapy with tenofovir and entecavir may be the most potent interventions in prevention of HBV reactivation and HBV-related morbidity and mortality for CHB infection patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Current clinical evidence for nucleos(t)ide analogues in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death globally and is frequently seen following Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C virus infection. Areas with high HBV infection rates, such as Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, are therefore also high-risk areas for HCC. Areas covered: This review identifies and discusses the current evidence from robust clinical trials which have investigated the benefits of Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) antiviral therapy in HBV-related HCC patients, including HCC patients that underwent liver transplantation and HCC patients with or without curative treatment. In addition, we assess how this evidence has influenced current clinical practice, with a particular focus on those areas of high HBV infection rates. Expert commentary: A number of studies have assessed whether NA antiviral treatment can improve the prognosis of HBV-related HCC patients. In this review we evaluate the current evidence, including that from trials in Asia, for antiviral NA treatments in HBV-related HCC patients. We also focus on those NAs with a high genetic barrier to resistance (i.e. ETV or TDF), on different therapeutic approaches, and on the future evidence that is required in this field.

Hepatitis B Reactivation Associated With Immune Suppressive and Biological Modifier Therapies: Current Concepts, Management Strategies, and Future Directions

Hepatitis B reactivation associated with immune-suppressive and biological therapies is emerging to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with current or prior exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The population at risk for HBV reactivation includes those who either currently are infected with HBV or have had past exposure to HBV. Because curative and eradicative therapy for HBV is not currently available, there is a large reservoir of individuals at risk for HBV reactivation in the general population. HBV reactivation with its potential consequences is particularly a concern when these people are exposed to either cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive or biologic therapies for the management of rheumatologic conditions, malignancies, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatologic conditions, or solid-organ or bone marrow transplantation. With the advent of newer and emerging forms of targeted biologic therapies, it has become important to understand the mechanisms whereby certain therapies are more prone to HBV reactivation. This review provides a comprehensive update on the current concepts, risk factors, molecular mechanisms, prevention, and management of hepatitis B reactivation. In addition, we provide recommendations for future research in this area.

Special situations in inflammatory bowel disease: First Latin American consensus of the Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (PANCCO) (Second part)

This is the first Latin American Consensus of the Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (PANCCO) regarding special situations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this consensus is to raise awareness in the medical community in all Latin American countries with respect to pregnancy, vaccinations, infections, neoplasms, including colorectal cancer, and pediatric issues in patients with IBD.

Comparative effectiveness of nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Comparative effectiveness of different nucleos(t)ide analogues for preventing hepatitis B virus reactivation induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy has not been elucidated. The prophylactic drug of choice remains controversial.

AIM

Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of tenofovir, telbivudine and entecavir with lamivudine in preventing the reactivation of hepatitis B virus caused by chemotherapy.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study consecutively screened all patients who were positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen and received chemotherapy for malignant diseases in a teaching hospital in Taiwan. Eligible patients were grouped according to whether they received nucleos(t)ide analogues before (prophylactic group) or during chemotherapy (historical control). Those who received antiviral prophylaxis were further classified by the medications that included lamivudine, telbivudine, entecavir and tenofovir. The incidence of hepatitis, liver decompensation and interruption of chemotherapy were audited.

RESULTS

A total of 212 consecutive patients were enrolled into analysis. Those who prophylactically used nucleos(t)ide analogues (n = 177) had significantly lower rates of liver decompensation (0.6% vs 20%, P < 0.01), interruption of chemotherapy (0% vs 40%, P < 0.01) and incidence of hepatitis (4.5% vs 100%, P < 0.01), as compared with their historical control (n = 35). In the prophylactic group, there was no difference among tenofovir, telbivudine, entecavir and lamivudine users in the incidence of hepatitis, liver decompensation and interruption of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Lamivudine, telbivudine, entecavir and tenofovir are all effective as the prophylactic antiviral therapy to prevent reactivation of hepatitis B induced by chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation and Prophylaxis During Solid Tumor Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Solid tumor chemotherapy regimens pose a risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, but screening and antiviral prophylaxis remains controversial because of insufficient evidence.

PURPOSE

To determine the risk for HBV reactivation with and without antiviral prophylaxis and the effectiveness of prophylaxis in adults with solid tumors and chronic or resolved HBV infection.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE through 1 July 2015 and Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, TOXNET, and Scopus through 1 March 2015.

STUDY SELECTION

26 English-language observational studies and randomized, controlled trials in patients with chronic or resolved HBV receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors.

DATA EXTRACTION

Study characteristics, quality, and risk of bias were assessed by 1 researcher and verified by another independent researcher.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Random-effects model meta-analyses were used to estimate the risk and odds ratio (OR) of reactivation with versus without antiviral prophylaxis. Reactivation in chronic HBV without prophylaxis ranged from 4% to 68% (median, 25%) with substantial heterogeneity. Prophylaxis reduced the risk for HBV reactivation (OR, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.06 to 0.22]), HBV-related hepatitis (OR, 0.18 [CI, 0.10 to 0.32]), and chemotherapy interruption (OR, 0.10 [CI, 0.04 to 0.27]). In 3 studies of patients with resolved HBV infection, none received HBV prophylaxis and reactivation risk ranged from 0.3% to 9.0%.

LIMITATIONS

Significant heterogeneity in underlying study populations and treatment regimens, incomplete baseline data, possibility of publication bias, and limited study quality. Most studies were observational and from Asia.

CONCLUSION

In patients with chronic HBV receiving solid tumor chemotherapy, the risk for HBV reactivation is similar to the risk with other types of immunosuppressive therapy. Results support HBV screening and antiviral prophylaxis before initiation of chemotherapy for solid tumors.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences and National Institutes of Health.

Radiation-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation associated with radiotherapy is rare. The present study reports the case of a 46-year-old man that experienced fatal HBV reactivation. The patient suffered from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus, which was treated by radiotherapy at a daily fraction of 2 Gy over 5 weeks, up to a total radiation dose of ~50 Gy. The patient presented with fatigue, yellow sclera and abdominal distension ~8 weeks subsequent to the administration of radiotherapy. The liver function tests, including the level of total bilirubin and prothrombin time, suggested acute-on-chronic liver failure. The serum HBV-DNA level had also increased between undetectable levels and 7.2×10⁴ copies/ml. Although the present patient with HCC was treated with 0.5 mg/day entecavir for 8 weeks, in addition to radiotherapy, radiation-induced HBV reactivation occurred. The condition of the patient worsened gradually. The present study emphasizes the importance of liver function and HBV-DNA screening and pre-emptive antiviral prophylaxis prior to radiotherapy in patients with HCC.

Prophylactic Effect of Lamivudine for Chemotherapy-Induced Hepatitis B Reactivation in Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Three strategies using lamivudine have been proposed to prevent chemotherapy-induced HBV (hepatitis B virus) reactivation in the clinical setting. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of the early preemptive strategy, deferred preemptive strategy and therapeutic strategy in patients with HBsAg-positive breast cancer during chemotherapy.

Methods

Clinical studies published from database inception until Nov 1, 2014, were included for analysis. The primary outcomes were overall survival, rate of chemotherapy disruption and virological and clinical reactivation. The secondary outcomes were the rates of HBV-related chemotherapy disruption, HBV-related mortality, YMDD mutations and withdrawal hepatitis.

Results

Four hundred and thirty patients in four studies that compared the early preemptive strategy with a therapeutic strategy were included. Application of early preemptive lamivudine was superior in reducing HBV recurrence (pooled OR: 0.12, 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.31, P< 0.0001), the incidence of HBV-related hepatitis (pooled OR: 0.13, 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.37, P< 0.0001) and the rate of chemotherapy disruption (pooled OR: 0.37, 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.60, P< 0.0001). In these two groups, no significant difference was found in overall mortality (P = 0.32), YMDD mutant rate (P = 0.13) or incidence of withdrawal hepatitis (P = 0.38). Of the two studies that compared the efficacy of an early and a deferred preemptive strategy, one showed that an early preemptive strategy significantly reduced the incidence of hepatitis (P = 0.046), whereas the other showed no significant difference (P = 0.7).

Conclusions

An early preemptive strategy is superior to a therapeutic strategy in decreasing the incidence of HBV reactivation, incidence of HBV-related hepatitis and rate of chemotherapy disruption in patients with breast cancer. A deferred preemptive strategy might be an alternative approach to controlling viral replication.

The compliance of doctors with viral hepatitis B screening and antiviral prophylaxis in cancer patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy using a hospital-based screening reminder system

Background and Aim

Screenings for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antiviral prophylaxis are recommended for HBsAg-positive patients before the start of cytotoxic chemotherapy; however, compliance with these recommendations varies among doctors. We investigated the compliance of doctors with these recommendations using a reminder system and assessed the outcomes of HBsAg-positive patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Methods

Using a computer-assisted reminder system, doctors were alerted of both HBsAg screening and antiviral prophylaxis prior to prescribing chemotherapy. The compliance between different doctors and outcomes of patients were investigated during the period of execution of this system. The rates of compliance with both recommendations were compared among various cancer types.

Results

A total of 1053 patients were enrolled, of which only 88 had previous data pertaining to HBsAg status. Using this reminder system, an overall screening rate of 85.5% (825/965) was achieved and did not significantly differ according to cancer type. However, the overall antiviral prophylactic rate was only 45.5% (61/134). The rates of antiviral prophylaxis were lower for doctors treating lung, breast and colorectal cancers than for those treating hematological malignancies (all p<0.05). Consequently, the rate of HBV reactivation was lower in patients who received antiviral prophylaxis than in those who did not (1.6% vs. 15.1%; p<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender and antiviral prophylaxis were both related to reactivation of hepatitis B (p<0.05).

Conclusions

By using this reminder system, the overall screening rate for HBsAg was satisfactory, whereas the antiviral prophylaxis was inadequate in patients with solid tumors due to the varying compliance of the attending doctors. Further strategies to improve both screening and prophylaxis are needed to minimize HBV-related events during cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Significant renoprotective effect of telbivudine during preemptive antiviral therapy in advanced liver cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Cisplatin is a known nephrotoxic agent requiring vigorous hydration before use. However, aggressive hydration could be life-threatening. Therefore, in cirrhotic patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under cisplatin-based chemotherapy, the risk of nephrotoxicity increased. Because previous studies showed that long-term telbivudine treatment improved renal function in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the clinical outcome of telbivudine preemptive therapy in HBV-related advanced HCC patients treated by combination chemotherapy comprising 5-fluorouracil, mitoxantrone and cisplatin (FMP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From June 2007 to March 2012, 60 patients with HBV-related advanced HCC, all receiving the same FMP chemotherapy protocol, were enrolled. Of them, 20 did not receive any antiviral therapy, whereas the remaining 40 patients (sex and age matched) received telbivudine preemptive therapy.

RESULTS

Progressive decrease of aminotransferase levels (p < 0.05) and progressive increase of viral clearance rates (p < 0.001) were found in telbivudine-treated group. No drug resistance developed during the course of treatment. When compared with non-antiviral-treated patients, a significantly higher post-therapeutic estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was found in the telbivudine-treated group (p < 0.001). In patients with initial eGFR >100 ml/min (n = 34), the median overall survival was significantly longer in the telbivudine-treated group (12.1 vs. 4.9 months; p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Preemptive use of telbivudine significantly prevented eGFR deterioration caused by cisplatin-based chemotherapy in HBV-related advanced HCC. In patients with initially sufficient eGFR level, telbivudine treatment was associated with a longer overall survival.

Hepatitis B and C seroprevalence in solid tumors - necessity for screening during chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver diseases worldwide. For hematological and solid malignancy patients undergoing chemotherapy, increases in HBV DNA and HCV RNA levels can be detected which may result in reactivation and hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hbs ag and Anti HCV positivity in patients with solid malignancies undergoing chemotherapy and consequences during follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The files of 914 patients with solid malignancies whose hepatitis markers were determined serologically at diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. All underwent adjuvant/palliative chemotherapy. For the cases with HBV and/or HCV positivity, HBV DNA and HCV RNA levels, liver function tests at diagnosis and during follow-up and the treatment modalities that were chosen were determined.

RESULTS

Of 914 cases, Hbs Ag, anti Hbs and anti HCV positivity were detected in 40 (4.4%), 336 (36.8%) and 26 (2.8%) of the cases respectively. All of the Hbs ag positive patients received prophylactic lamuvidine before the start of chemotherapy. In the Hbs ag and anti HCV positive cases, liver failure was not detected during chemotherapy and a delay in chemotherapy courses because of hepatitis was not encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Just as with hematological malignancies, screening for HBV and HCV should also be considered for patients with solid tumors undergoing chemotherapy. Prophylactic antiviral therapy for HBV reduces both the reactivation rates and HBV related mortality and morbidity. The clinical impact of HCV infection on patients undergoing chemotherapy is still not well characterized.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus

Reactivation of hepatitis B is characterized by the abrupt recurrence or the rise of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the serum of patients with previously inactive or resolved HBV infection, which frequently occurs during or after cytotoxic chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy; however, most of these cases are subclinical and only detected until activated liver disease. Several randomized controlled trials have shown that HBV reactivation can be prevented by antiviral prophylaxis. Thus, patients who are to receive cytotoxic chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for present and previous hepatitis B infection, and hepatitis B surface antigen positive patients should receive antiviral prophylaxis.

Case report: passive transfer of hepatitis B antibodies from intravenous immunoglobulin

Background

Prior to initiating immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory conditions, it is a requirement to screen for certain viral serology, including hepatitis B (HBV). A positive result may indicate the need for antiviral therapy, or contraindicate immunosuppression all together. An accurate interpretation of serological markers is therefore imperative in order to treat patients appropriately. We present a case of passive anti-HBV antibody transfer following intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusion, in which misinterpretation of serology results almost led to inappropriate treatment with antiviral therapy and the withholding of immunosuppressive agents. This phenomenon has been previously reported, but awareness remains limited.

Case presentation

A 50 year old Caucasian gentleman with a history of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant for transformed follicular lymphoma was admitted to hospital with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Investigation found him to be hypogammaglobulinaemic, and he was thus given 1 g/kg of intravenous immunoglobulin. The patient also disclosed a 3-week history of painful, swollen joints, leading to a diagnosis of seronegative inflammatory polyarthritis. Prior to initiating long term immunosuppression, viral screening found hepatitis B serology suggestive of past infection, with positive results for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibody, but negative HBV DNA. In response, prednisolone was weaned and the local hepatology team recommended commencement of lamivudine. Having been unable to identify a source of infection, the case was reported to the local blood centre, who tested a remaining vial from the same batch of IVIg and found it to be anti-HBc and anti-HBs positive. Fortunately the blood products were identified and tested prior to the patient initiating HBV treatment, and the effect of a delay in starting disease-modifying therapy was inconsequential in light of an excellent response to first-line therapies.

Conclusion

Misinterpretation of serology results following IVIg infusion may lead to significant patient harm, including unnecessary antiviral administration, the withholding of treatments, and psychosocial damage. This is especially pertinent at a time when we have an ever increasing number of patients being treated with IVIg for a wide array of immune-mediated disease. Passive antibody transfer should be considered wherever unexpected serological changes are identified.

Management of the HBV reactivation in isolated HBcAb positive patients affected with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Occult HBV infection (OBI) is defined by the persistence of HBV in the liver without serum HBsAg and HBVDNA. It represents a life-threatening event during immunosuppressive chemotherapies. An OBI occurs in approximately 18% of HBcAb + patients. International guidelines suggest surveillance for HBV markers in immunosuppressed patients. In Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), the prevalence of OBI reactivation remains to be established.

METHODS

In order to determine the prevalence of occult HBV reactivation in a large cohort of patients during chemotherapy for NHL, we analysed 498 NHL patients in a centre of Southern Italy. We evaluated HBV markers, NHL type, treatment type and occurrence of HBV reactivation.

RESULTS

Forty % of patients were treated with monoclonal antibodies and 60.3% without. Ninety-six patients were HBcAb+, HBsAg-. HBV reactivation occurred in ten subjects of this subgroup. All of them were successfully treated with Lamivudine. None of the patients experienced liver-related death. The prevalence of OBI reactivation was of 10.42% in HBcAb + HBsAb- patients. This event occurred in 50% of patients treated with mild immunosuppressive therapies. Each reactivation was treated with Lamivudine.

DISCUSSION

This report suggests that a strict surveillance is important and cost-effective in HBcAb + HBsAg- NHL patients treated with mild immunosuppressive therapies, in order to detect an occult HBV reactivation.

Evaluation and management of hepatitis B virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: before and after transplantation

HBV infection remains a major global health problem and continues to be a common cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. Reactivation of HBV is a serious complication of chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy in patients with HBV infection. In this article, we aim to describe the diagnosis, prevention and management of HBV infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates, from the pre- to post-transplant period. The data currently available suggest that all individuals with hemato-/onco-logical malignancies who undergo chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for hepatotropic viruses such as HBV and HCV. HBV surface antigen-positive individuals who receive chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy are at considerable risk of HBV reactivation. Antiviral prophylaxis prevents HBV reactivation, decreases reactivation-related morbidity and mortality, and prevents interruptions in chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy in such individuals. The optimal duration of antiviral prophylaxis remains to be elucidated. The vaccination of HBV-naive recipients and their donors against HBV infection prior to transplantation plays an important role in preventing acquired HBV infection. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity is not an absolute contraindication for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Prophylactic Lamivudine to Improve the Outcome of Breast Cancer Patients With HBsAg Positive During Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT

Raising the chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation is parallel to the increment of chemotherapy treatments in breast cancer patients. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic use of lamivudine in breast cancer patients with HBsAg positive during chemotherapy.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

MEDLINE, Pubmed, Ovid and Embase were used to search for clinical studies comparing with or without prophylactic use of lamivudine for HBV reactivation in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Outcomes of interest were the rate of HBV reactivation, incidence of hepatitis and incidence of hepatitis attributable to HBV reactivation, severity of hepatitis and severity of hepatitis attributable to HBV reactivation, the rate of chemotherapy disruption, and the rate of chemotherapy disruption attributable to HBV reactivation, overall mortality, and mortality attributable to HBV reactivation.

RESULTS

Four studies with 285 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The rate of HBV reactivation, incidence of hepatitis and incidence of hepatitis related to HBV reactivation were reduced by use of prophylactic lamivudine compared to control group. Pooled Odds Ratios (ORs) were 0.09 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.03-0.26; P < 0.0001), 0.23 (95% CI 0.06-0.92; P = 0.04), and 0.10 (95% CI 0.03-0.32; P < 0.0001) respectively. There was a reduction in chemotherapy disruption related to HBV reactivation by use of prophylactic lamivudine (pooled OR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02-0.58; P = 0.01). Chemotherapy disruption, overall mortality, and mortality attributable to HBV reactivation were not significantly different between two groups. Pooled ORs were 0.42 (95% CI 0.11-1.58; P = 0.20), 0.37 (95% CI 0.07-2.04; P = 0.25), and 0.25 (95% CI 0.01-6.82; P = 0.41) respectively. Lamivudine was well-tolerated, and no additional toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of prophylactic lamivudine may have positive effect on the outcome of breast cancer patients with HBsAg positive during chemotherapy.

Diagnosis and management of infectious complications of childhood rheumatic diseases

Progress in the diagnosis and management of pediatric rheumatic disease has improved complications from underlying disease and the survival of children. However, as a consequence, infection has now become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Differentiating between infections and disease flares in children with rheumatic conditions can often pose diagnostic quandaries. Children with rheumatic diseases are at risk of infection, not only because of the use of immune-modulating medications but also because of underlying immune dysfunction associated with their disease. Although bacterial infections are the most common, any organism can potentially be a causative agent and, at times, more invasive measures of diagnosis, for example bronchoscopy and tissue biopsies may be necessary. Maintaining a high index of suspicion of infection with prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to further improve patient outcomes.

Management of HBV in immunocompromised patients

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is more frequent in immune deficient populations than in the general population with lower rates of spontaneous recovery in acute cases, thus explaining the high rate of chronic infection and the increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in increased morbidity-mortality in these patients. The negative impact of immune deficiency on chronic HBV infection is related to two non-exclusive factors: (i) high viral load enhances the progression of fibrosis and may result in a rare severe liver disease called fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, which reflects the direct toxicity of high levels of HBV proteins; (ii) The pathobiology of HBV infection is mainly immune-mediated via HBV-specific T lymphocytotoxicity. The reduction or discontinuation of immune deficiency may result in severe liver disease including fulminant hepatitis from immune restoration. Thus, immune deficiency enhances the hepatitis B viral load, which results in the progression of fibrosis and/or acute exacerbation of underlying liver disease (HBV reactivation) on one hand, whereas reduction in immune deficiency may also be harmful because of immune restoration on the other hand. This double-edged sword explains why the diagnosis and evaluation of the impact of HBV infection on the liver must be especially rigorous in cases of immune deficiency whatever the cause: transplantation, oncology, haematology, internal medicine (rheumatology, gastroenterology …) or HIV infection, and why pre-emptive therapy by HBV nucleos(t)ide analogues should be considered for all HBV-infected patients.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis and outpatient management of fever and neutropenia in adults treated for malignancy: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline

PURPOSE

To provide guidelines on antimicrobial prophylaxis for adult neutropenic oncology outpatients and on selection and treatment as outpatients of those with fever and neutropenia.

METHODS

A literature search identified relevant studies published in English. Primary outcomes included: development of fever and/or infections in afebrile neutropenic outpatients and recovery without complications and overall mortality in febrile neutropenic outpatients. Secondary outcomes included: in afebrile neutropenic outpatients, infection-related mortality; in outpatients with fever and neutropenia, defervescence without regimen change, time to defervescence, infectious complications, and recurrent fever; and in both groups, hospital admissions, duration, and adverse effects of antimicrobials. An Expert Panel developed guidelines based on extracted data and informal consensus.

RESULTS

Forty-seven articles from 43 studies met selection criteria.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis are only recommended for patients expected to have < 100 neutrophils/μL for > 7 days, unless other factors increase risks for complications or mortality to similar levels. Inpatient treatment is standard to manage febrile neutropenic episodes, although carefully selected patients may be managed as outpatients after systematic assessment beginning with a validated risk index (eg, Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer [MASCC] score or Talcott's rules). Patients with MASCC scores ≥ 21 or in Talcott group 4, and without other risk factors, can be managed safely as outpatients. Febrile neutropenic patients should receive initial doses of empirical antibacterial therapy within an hour of triage and should either be monitored for at least 4 hours to determine suitability for outpatient management or be admitted to the hospital. An oral fluoroquinolone plus amoxicillin/clavulanate (or plus clindamycin if penicillin allergic) is recommended as empiric therapy, unless fluoroquinolone prophylaxis was used before fever developed.

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.

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.

Hepatitis B virus management to prevent reactivation after chemotherapy: a review

PURPOSE

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection after chemotherapy can lead to liver failure and death. Conflicting recommendations regarding HBV screening in cancer patients awaiting chemotherapy mean that some patients at risk for HBV reactivation are not being identified and treated with prophylactic antiviral therapy.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review of the existing evidence regarding screening for and management of HBV infection among patients with cancer using Ovid Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Our review showed inconsistencies in the definition and management strategies for HBV reactivation. The timeframe of reactivation is variable, and its molecular mechanisms are not clear. There are five effective antiviral agents that can be used as prophylaxis to prevent reactivation of HBV infection in cancer patients; however, the optimal drug and duration of therapy are unknown. Reactivation is more commonly reported in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving rituximab treatment, but reactivation can occur after other chemotherapies and in patients with solid tumors. Screening with all three screening tests-HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs-allows the most thorough interpretation of a patient's serologic profile and assessment of reactivation risk; however, decision-making and cost-effectiveness studies are needed to determine optimal screening strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention of reactivation of HBV infection depends on identification of patients at risk and initiation of antiviral prophylaxis, but data to guide screening and treatment strategies are lacking. Additional research is necessary to accurately define and predict reactivation, identify best antiviral treatment strategies, and identify cost-effective HBV screening strategies.

Effect of Antiviral Prophylaxis Strategy for Chemotherapy-Associated Hepatitis B Reactivation in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients with Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Recent data indicates that nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NUC) is effective in preventing and controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in HBV-carrying cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy, but the ideal antiviral agent and optimal application protocol still needs to be determined. Meanwhile, it is uncertain whether those with past HBV infection require antiviral prophylaxis during chemotherapy. This report retrospectively analyzed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients seen from January, 2004 to June, 2009 in West China Hospital. We found that the prevalence of chronic HBV infection in our NHL patients was 20.7 % while that of past HBV infection was 21.05 %. Compared with the high rate (25.6 %) of HBV reactivation in patients with chronic HBV infection, none of those with past HBV infection in fact had occult HBV infection thus none experienced reactivation. Of the 82 patients with chronic HBV infection who received chemotherapy, antiviral prophylaxis could significantly reduce the incidence of HBV reactivation (5.0 vs. 45.2 % in the control group) and the incidence of liver function damage (32.5 vs. 73.8 % in the control group). The results of the current study confirmed previous reports that prophylactic NUCs administration can effectively prevent HBV reactivation and significantly reduce the incidence of HBV reactivation especially for patients receiving rituximab-containing regimens. Due to the fact that none of individuals who had past HBV infection developed HBV reactivation reported in our study, antiviral prophylaxis may not be required for patients with past HBV infection. Close observation of alanine aminotransferase and HBV-DNA contributes to early diagnosis and timely treatment of HBV reactivation.

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.

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.

Clinical prediction of failure of Lamivudine prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus-infected patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignancy

Although lamivudine (LAM) prophylaxis is recommended for patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) undergoing chemotherapy for malignant disease, HBV reactivation sometimes occurs during or after LAM administration. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of LAM prophylactic failure in patients with malignancies. Patients with malignancies were routinely screened for serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from June 2002 to August 2008. All consecutive, HBsAg-positive patients received LAM prophylaxis during and after completion of chemotherapy. We assessed risk factors for virologic breakthrough and withdrawal hepatitis. Death without HBV reactivation was regarded as a competing risk event, which was adjusted by Fine and Gray's model. A total of 110 patients were included in this study. They received LAM prophylaxis for a median of 9.2 months. Virologic breakthrough occurred in 15 patients at a median of 10.9 months from the initiation of LAM prophylaxis. Withdrawal hepatitis occurred in 15 patients at a median of 2.4 months after cessation of LAM prophylaxis. Multivariable analysis showed that high baseline HBV DNA titer (≥2,000 IU/ml) (hazard ratio [HR], 9.94; P = 0.0063) and the use of rituximab (HR, 3.19; P = 0.027) were significant predictors of virologic breakthrough and that high baseline HBV DNA titer (HR, 5.90; P = 0.007), liver cirrhosis (HR, 10.4; P = 0.002), and distant metastasis (HR, 5.14; P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for withdrawal hepatitis. Patients with high viremia, liver cirrhosis, rituximab treatment, and distant metastasis are at high risk of prophylactic failure and need antiviral agents with a greater barrier to resistance.

Reactivated hepatitis B due to medical interventions: the clinical spectrum expands

Reactivated hepatitis B is a potentially serious disorder that can result in liver failure and death. It has been described with a wide variety of immunosuppressive interventions, such as cancer chemotherapy, anti-rejection drugs and the use of tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors and monoclonal antibody to B-cell antigen. It now appears reasonable to consider transarterial chemoembolization (TAC) for hepatocellular carcinoma as an additional medical intervention associated with hepatitis B reactivation. Pre-emptive antiviral treatment of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers can prevent serious complications arising from immunosuppressive-induced viral reactivation. Specific recommendations for antiviral prophylaxis in HBsAg carriers undergoing TAC should be added to international management guidelines.

Should cirrhosis change our attitude towards treating non-hepatic cancer?

Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is the end stage of any chronic liver disease. Cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, is a growing global health issue. There are limited data in the literature on the incidence, prevalence and management of non-hepatic cancers (NHC) in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this brief review was to underline the main concerns, pitfalls and warnings regarding practice for these patients. Survival of patients with compensated cirrhosis is significantly longer than that of decompensated cirrhosis and patients with NHC and in Child-Pugh class C should not be candidates for cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is important before starting cytotoxic chemotherapy to assess the aetiology and stage of liver disease and to screen these patients for portal hypertension and fluid retention. During cytotoxic chemotherapy, the effectiveness of cancer treatment, as well the appearance of early signs of hepatic decompensation, must be thoroughly monitored. Future phase 3 trial designs in oncology should include a share of patients with compensated cirrhosis to obtain specific information in this setting. Identification of tests able to measure the global degree of hepatic impairment caused by cirrhosis could help in the management of this particular clinical situation.

Should we routinely treat patients with autoimmune/rheumatic diseases and chronic hepatitis B virus infection starting biologic therapies with antiviral agents? Yes

It is well established that hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is common among patients with various hematological or neoplastic diseases who receive chemotherapeutic agents without appropriate antiviral prophylaxis and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A number of recent studies have indicated that treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents in patients with autoimmune/rheumatic diseases carries a similar risk. Furthermore, appropriate pre-emptive treatment with oral antivirals appears to significantly reduce that risk and should be routinely implemented in clinical practice. Similar data are available for B-cell depleting agents like rituximab from the hematology literature, indicating the need for a similar approach in patients with autoimmune diseases receiving such agents.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation associated with temozolomide for malignant glioma: a case report and recommendation for prophylaxis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during anticancer chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in chronic carriers can lead to fatal liver failure. We report a rare case of severe HBV reactivation during postoperative radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) for malignant glioma. A 49-year-old Japanese woman with a history of HBV carrier status with positive results for hepatitis B surface antigen presented with persistent headache due to a tumor in the left frontal lobe. The tumor was partially resected and anaplastic astrocytoma was diagnosed. Postoperative liver function was normal and radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ was started. Impaired liver function became apparent just before administration of adjuvant TMZ, and acute liver failure developed. Antiviral therapy including entecavir, a nucleoside analog, led to a successful outcome and the patient survived. This case underlines the possibility of HBV reactivation due to TMZ and suggests the utility of HBV screening and antiviral prophylaxis before administration of TMZ to patients with malignant glioma.