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Yao Y, Zhang J, Li X, Zao X, Cao X, Chen G, Ye Y. Systematic review: Clinical outcomes of discontinuation of oral antivirals in hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1037527. [PMID: 36407996 PMCID: PMC9670108 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1037527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Discontinuation of Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) remains one of the most controversial topics in the management of hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis. However, clinical outcomes after NAs discontinuation have not been studied. Aim The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate existing data on clinical outcomes of NAs withdrawal in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with cirrhosis. Methods A literature search (until May 2022) was performed in order to identify all published studies including hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients who discontinued NAs in virological remission with off-therapy follow-up >12 months. Results Nineteen studies with 1,287 hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients were included. Most cirrhotic patients were compensated and achieved complete virological suppression when they stopped the antiviral therapy. The pooled proportions of virological relapse and clinical relapse after NAs discontinuation in cirrhotic patients were 55.23 (95% CI: 40.33-69.67) and 43.56% (95% CI: 26.13-61.85), respectively. HBsAg loss was observed in 56 of 500 (pooled proportion = 13.68%, 95% CI: 5.82-24.18) cirrhotic patients. And the pooled proportions of HCC development, hepatic decompensation and overall mortality were 8.76 (95% CI: 2.25-18.95), 3.63 (95% CI: 1.31-7.03), and 0.85% (95% CI: 0.35-1.57), respectively, after NAs discontinuation in cirrhotic patients. Conclusion In hepatitis B-related compensated cirrhosis, who have achieved complete virological suppression, discontinuation of oral antivirals still carries a high relapse rate, but the incidence of adverse events is generally low and controlled during follow-up of at least 12 months. Of attention is that discontinuation of NAs can achieve a high rate of HBsAg seroclearance. This study may be helpful in the management of NAs in cirrhotic patients. Systematic review registration http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020170103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoke Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yong'an Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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2
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Zhou Y, Yan R, Ru GQ, Yu LL, Yao J, Wang H. Pegylated-interferon consolidation treatment versus nucleos(t)ide analogue consolidation treatment in non-cirrhotic hepatitis B patients with hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion: an open-label pilot trial. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:422-430. [PMID: 31172416 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment cessation remains one of the most controversial topics in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This study investigated the efficiency of 48-week pegylated-interferon (peg-IFN) alfa-2a consolidation therapy on viral relapse after discontinued NA treatment in CHB patients who achieved hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion for > 1 year. METHODS NA-treated HBeAg-positive patients who achieved the standard of discontinued NA treatment (i.e. time of HBeAg seroconversion > 1 year) were randomly assigned to receive peg-IFN consolidation (n = 24) treatment or continue original NA therapy (n = 24) for 48 weeks. The treatments were then discontinued, and the patients were observed up to 144 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with viral relapse at week 144 among those who received at least one dose of study drug or had at least one study visit [modified intention-to-treat population (mITT)]. RESULTS Of the 24 patients who received peg-IFN treatment, 6 (25%) experienced viral relapse and 8 (36.3%) showed HBsAg loss during 96 weeks of treatment-free follow-up. Of the patients who underwent NA consolidation treatment, only 1 (4.3%) of 23 patients showed HBsAg loss and 14 (58.3%) of 24 patients experienced viral relapse during follow-up. HBsAg level decline < 0.25 log10 IU/mL at week 96 was significantly associated with viral relapse. CONCLUSION A 48-week peg-IFN alfa-2a consolidation therapy increased the rate of HBsAg loss and sustained viral replication suppression in HBeAg-positive patients who achieved HBeAg seroconversion for > 1 year after NA treatment discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital Hang Zhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rong Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital Hang Zhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo Qing Ru
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital Hang Zhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Li Yu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital Hang Zhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiong Yao
- Department of Medical Record Statistic Information, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital Hang Zhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital Hang Zhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China.
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Su TH, Liu CJ. Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B: Current Updates and Perspectives. Gut Liver 2018; 11:590-603. [PMID: 28494575 PMCID: PMC5593320 DOI: 10.5009/gnl16215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) and interferon have been used for several decades to treat chronic hepatitis B; however, the therapeutic response remains unsatisfactory. Although NUC therapy exhibits potent on-treatment viral suppression, frequent off-therapy virological relapses suggest an indefinite treatment course. Interferon modulates the innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses and thus increases the chance of viral eradication. Interferon therapy has the advantage of a finite duration, absence of drug resistance, and durable posttreatment responses. Therefore, the combination of NUCs and interferon can theoretically facilitate a synergistic therapeutic effect. This paper summarizes the current strategies of various combination therapies into three categories: the simultaneous “dual” strategy, sequential combination “add-on” strategy, and “switch” strategy. Generally, dual therapy exhibits greater on-treatment and off-therapy viral suppression and lower drug resistance compared with NUC monotherapy. Compared with interferon monotherapy, dual therapy has greater on-treatment viral suppression but shows no difference in off-therapy sustained virological responses. Specific add-on or switch strategies provide promising on-treatment efficacy in select patients. Pretreatment or on-treatment quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and e antigen are predictive for the treatment efficacy of combination therapy. The optimal schedule of combination regimens and individualized therapy remain to be comprehensively evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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4
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Enomoto M, Nishiguchi S, Tamori A, Kozuka R, Fujii H, Uchida-Kobayashi S, Fukunishi S, Tsuda Y, Higuchi K, Saito M, Enomoto H, Kawada N. Sequential therapy involving an early switch from entecavir to pegylated interferon-α in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Res 2018; 48:459-468. [PMID: 29314465 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM The optimal combination of two currently available agents with different mechanisms of action, a nucleos(t)ide analog and pegylated interferon-α (PegIFNα), must be determined to improve treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS In this study, 24 patients with CHB (14 hepatitis B envelope antigen [HBeAg]-positive patients and 10 HBeAg-negative patients) received entecavir for 36-52 weeks, followed by entecavir plus Peg-IFNα2a for 4 weeks, and finally by PegIFNα-2a alone for 44 weeks. RESULTS A sustained biochemical, virologic, and serologic response was obtained in 7/24 (29%) patients at 48 weeks post-treatment (2/14 [14%] in HBeAg-positive vs 5/10 [50%] in HBeAg-negative patients, P = 0.085). At baseline, patients with a sustained response had a significantly lower γ-glutamyl transferase level (P = 0.0023), a lower aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (P = 0.049), and a lower α-fetoprotein level (P = 0.042) than those without a sustained response. The decline in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels during the first 24 weeks of PegIFNα-2a treatment in patients with a sustained response was greater than that in patients without (P = 0.017). Additionally, HBsAg seroclearance was achieved in two patients (8.3%): one HBeAg-positive and one HBeAg-negative patient. CONCLUSION The outcomes of sequential therapy involving an early switch from entecavir to PegIFNα-2a were unsatisfactory in Japanese patients with CHB. In addition to viral factors, host metabolic characteristics and liver fibrosis/tumor markers can be used for prediction of a sustained response to therapy, but accurate prediction of the therapeutic response is difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nishiguchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tamori
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Shinya Fukunishi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Tsuda
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Higuchi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Saito
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Hirayuki Enomoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
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Naylor PH, Mutchnick MG. Immunotherapy for hepatitis B in the direct acting antiviral era: Reevaluating the thymosin α1 efficacy trials in the light of a combination therapy approach. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:4-9. [PMID: 29052304 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes both acute and chronic hepatitis and infects large numbers of individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, prediction of typical clinical outcome is problematic and there is considerable variability in the frequency, duration and severity of disease progression. The mainstay of HBV treatment is directed towards the suppression of HBV replication by nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs). The use of immunomodulators such as α-Interferon and thymosin α1 can, in select patients, results in elimination of both HBsAg and HBeAg. Given the observation that viral clearance is most effective in the presence of a strong immune response, this review summarizes data suggesting that the use of a combination of an immune modulator such as Tα1 with a highly effective NUC may result in a more successful therapeutic approach in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Results from small studies using combination Tα1 and NUCs are encouraging, and ongoing clinical trials combining entecavir with Tα1 are anticipated to provide important data assessing the use of a combination of Tα1 with a NUC to achieve resolution of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Naylor
- Department of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Harper University Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - M G Mutchnick
- Department of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Harper University Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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6
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Zhang W, Xie Q, Ning Q, Dou X, Chen X, Jia J, Xie Y, Ren H. The role of peginterferon in nucleos(t)ide-analogue-treated chronic hepatitis B patients: A review of published literature. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:618-623. [PMID: 28211135 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) causes up to 1.0 million deaths annually. Currently, more than 90% of CHB patients worldwide are receiving indefinite nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy. New strategies for optimizing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss are required for NA-treated patients as the majority are unable to achieve HBsAg loss and may require lifelong therapy. In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients, switching from NAs to finite peginterferon (PegIFN) therapy can double HBeAg seroconversion rates. One in five patients who switch to PegIFN can achieve HBsAg loss, whereas patients who continue NA therapy typically do not. In HBeAg-negative NA-treated patients, add-on PegIFN therapy achieves higher, albeit modest, HBsAg loss rates compared with continued NA monotherapy and offers the opportunity for NA-treated patients to achieve the inactive carrier state. In the absence of curative therapies, PegIFN represents a valuable, finite option for NA-treated patients who would otherwise require potentially lifelong therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Q Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Q Ning
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Tongji Hospital affiliated to Huazhong Technology University, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, China
| | - X Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - X Chen
- International Medical Department, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - J Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Y Xie
- Shanghai Roche Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - H Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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7
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Cole AG. Modulators of HBV capsid assembly as an approach to treating hepatitis B virus infection. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 30:131-137. [PMID: 27636324 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for a cure for hepatitis B virus infection extends beyond interferon and the existing polymerase inhibitors, and targets different aspects of the virus life cycle to develop agents that operate by alternative mechanisms. Examples of small molecules that disrupt the encapsidation of pgRNA have been known for some time, but recent advances in the understanding of nucleocapsid formation, how compounds interact with core protein, and the development of drug-like molecules have recently progressed the study of capsid assembly modulators to proof of concept in the clinic with respect to reduction of viral load in chronic HBV patients. Interference with HBV capsid assembly is thus a legitimate approach to treating HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Cole
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
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8
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Emery JS, Feld JJ. Treatment of hepatitis B virus with combination therapy now and in the future. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2017; 31:347-355. [PMID: 28774417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B continues as a significant public health problem despite the availability of safe and effective antivirals and a highly effective protective vaccine. Current therapy, however rarely leads to cure and lifelong therapy is often required, contributing to poor uptake and ongoing morbidity. New insights into the hepatitis B viral life cycle and the host immune response have expanded the potential targets for drug therapies with interesting antiviral candidates and novel immunotherapeutic approaches in early stage development. Yet, HBV persistence is multifactorial - due to an intrahepatic reservoir and ongoing HBV-mediated immune dysregulation, making "cure" unlikely to be realized through even the most efficacious monotherapy. Building on the success seen in the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), combination therapy may be an essential strategy to improve efficacy and decrease viral breakthrough. Combinations acting on immune and viral targets are particularly attractive. However, creating synergy while balancing efficacy and safety remains a clear challenge. Various approaches to combination therapy are reviewed, highlighting strengths and challenges of each potential strategy. Overall, combination therapies are attractive as the next step towards cure and are a key strategy for achieving treatment with finite durations and durable endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel S Emery
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Al Ashgar H, Peedikayil MC, Al Quaiz M, Al Sohaibani F, Al Fadda A, Khan MQ, Thoralsson E, Al Thawadi S, Al Jedai A, Al Kahtani K. HBsAg clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients with add-on pegylated interferon alfa-2a to ongoing tenofovir treatment: A randomized controlled study. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:190-198. [PMID: 28611343 PMCID: PMC5470379 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_541_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The ideal end point of treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is sustained off-therapy hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss with or even without seroconversion to anti-HBs. We investigated the role of adding PEGylated interferon (PEG IFN) to ongoing tenofovir treatment in chronic HBV patients for achieving HBsAg clearance. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, chronic HBV patients who have been receiving tenofovir for >6 months with HBV viral load <2000 IU/ml were randomized into two groups. One group (add-on therapy) was given subcutaneous PEG IFN 180 mcg weekly for 12 months in addition to tenofovir. Patients in the other group received only tenofovir 300 mg orally on a daily basis. Patients in both groups were followed up for a total of two years, and patients in both groups were given tenofovir 300 mg daily indefinitely until they developed HBsAg clearance. RESULTS Twenty-three patients were allocated to the PEG IFN and tenofovir (add-on therapy) group, and another 25 patients were recruited to the tenofovir monotherapy group. Before randomization, patients had received tenofovir for 1135 mean days (range203 to 1542 days). One patient (4.3%) in add-on therapy lost HBsAg and seroconverted. Within two years, mean HBsAg decreased significantly with add-on therapy (from 4753 IU/ml to 2402; P= 0.03); and it decreased from 5957 IU/ml to 4198; P= 0.09 in tenofovir monotherapy group. More patients in the add-on group developed serious side effects, with treatment discontinuation, and dose reductions (P = 0.3). CONCLUSION PEG IFN and tenofovir add-on therapy was successful in achieving HBsAg clearance and seroconversion in 4.3% of the patients. Add-on therapy patients had a significant decrease in HBsAg levels in two years; and no significant decrease in HBsAg levels with the tenofovir monotherapy. With no significant HBsAg clearance, the utility of this combination regimen is questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad Al Ashgar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musthafa C. Peedikayil
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Musthafa C. Peedikayil, Department of Medicine, MBC 46, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
| | - Mohammed Al Quaiz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Al Sohaibani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Al Fadda
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Q. Khan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Einar Thoralsson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar Al Thawadi
- Department of Microbiology Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Jedai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care Services, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al Kahtani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major health burden worldwide. Currently available antiviral treatment options for chronic hepatitis B include pegylated interferon alpha2a (PegIFN) or nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). The major advantages of NAs are good tolerance and potent antiviral activity associated with high rates of sustained on-treatment response to therapy. The advantages of PegIFN include a finite course of treatment, the absence of drug resistance, and an opportunity to obtain a durable post-treatment response to therapy. Furthermore, PegIFN is the only approved agent known to be active against hepatitis D virus (HDV). The use of these two antiviral agents with different mechanisms of action in combination against hepatitis B is theoretically an attractive approach for treatment. Although several studies have confirmed certain virological advantages of combination therapies, data supporting a long-term clinical benefit for patients are lacking and monotherapy with PegIFN or NAs remains the therapy of choice. Moreover, with the current treatment approaches, only a limited number of patients achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. HBsAg loss is considered a "functional cure", but does not mean viral eradication. There is a need for novel therapeutic approaches that enable not only suppression of viral replication, but resolution of HBV infection. A key challenge is to target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. The recent development and availability of innovative in vitro and in vivo systems and sensitive molecular techniques has opened new possibilities to study the complex network of interactions that HBV establishes with the host in the course of infection and to define new targets for antiviral strategies. Several new antiviral or immunomodulatory compounds have reached preclinical or clinical testing with the aim of silencing or eradicating cccDNA to achieve functional cure. Many of these strategies may also be effective for the treatment of HDV, which is dependent on HBsAg for its life cycle. This Clinical Trial Watch summarizes the most recent therapeutic strategies designed to directly target the viruses B and D or to improve immune responses during chronic HBV infection.
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11
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Lenci I, Baiocchi L, Tariciotti L, Di Paolo D, Milana M, Santopaolo F, Manzia TM, Toti L, Svicher V, Tisone G, Perno CF, Angelico M. Complete hepatitis B virus prophylaxis withdrawal in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive liver transplant recipients after longterm minimal immunosuppression. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:1205-13. [PMID: 27272189 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tailored approaches have been attempted to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection in antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive liver transplantation (LT) recipients in order to minimize the use of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and nucleoside analogues (NAs). We report the results of complete HBV prophylaxis withdrawal after a follow-up of at least 6 years in LT recipients with undetectable serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic total HBV DNA and covalently closed circular DNA at LT. We included 30 HBsAg positive, hepatitis B e antigen-negative recipients, 6 with hepatitis C virus and 7 with hepatitis D virus coinfection, who had received HBIG plus NA for at least 5 years after LT. Stepwise HBIG and NA withdrawal was performed in two 6-month periods under strict monitoring of HBV virology. All patients underwent a clinical, biochemical, and virological follow-up at 3-6 month intervals. HBV recurrence (HBsAg seroreversion ± detectable HBV DNA) occurred in 6 patients: in 1 patient after HBIG interruption and in 5 after both HBIG and NA cessation. Only 3 patients required reinstitution of HBV prophylaxis because of persistent HBV replication, and all achieved optimal control of HBV infection and did not experience clinical events. The other who recurred showed only short-lasting HBsAg positivity, with undetectable HBV DNA, followed by spontaneous anti-HBs seroconversion. An additional 15 patients mounted an anti-HBs titer, without previous serum HBsAg detectability. At the end of follow-up, 90% of patients were still prophylaxis-free, 93.3% were HBsAg negative, and 100% were HBV DNA negative; 60% had anti-HBs titers >10 IU/L (median, 143; range, 13-1000). This small series shows that complete prophylaxis withdrawal is safe in patients transplanted for HBV-related disease at low risk of recurrence and is often followed by spontaneous anti-HBs seroconversion. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding. Liver Transplantation 22 1205-1213 2016 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luca Toti
- Liver Transplant Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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12
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Gill US, Peppa D, Micco L, Singh HD, Carey I, Foster GR, Maini MK, Kennedy PTF. Interferon Alpha Induces Sustained Changes in NK Cell Responsiveness to Hepatitis B Viral Load Suppression In Vivo. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005788. [PMID: 27487232 PMCID: PMC4972354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are important antiviral effectors, highly enriched in the liver, with the potential to regulate immunopathogenesis in persistent viral infections. Here we examined whether changes in the NK pool are induced when patients with eAg-positive CHB are 'primed' with PegIFNα and importantly, whether these changes are sustained or further modulated long-term after switching to nucleos(t)ides (sequential NUC therapy), an approach currently tested in the clinic. Longitudinal sampling of a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with eAg+CHB showed that the cumulative expansion of CD56bright NK cells driven by 48-weeks of PegIFNα was maintained at higher than baseline levels throughout the subsequent 9 months of sequential NUCs. Unexpectedly, PegIFNα-expanded NK cells showed further augmentation in their expression of the activating NK cell receptors NKp30 and NKp46 during sequential NUCs. The expansion in proliferating, functional NK cells was more pronounced following sequential NUCs than in comparison cohorts of patients treated with de novo NUCs or PegIFNα only. Reduction in circulating HBsAg concentrations, a key goal in the path towards functional cure of CHB, was only achieved in those patients with enhancement of NK cell IFNγ and cytotoxicity but decrease in their expression of the death ligand TRAIL. In summary, we conclude that PegIFNα priming can expand a population of functional NK cells with an altered responsiveness to subsequent antiviral suppression by NUCs. Patients on sequential NUCs with a distinct NK cell profile show a decline in HBsAg, providing mechanistic insights for the further optimisation of treatment strategies to achieve sustained responses in CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upkar S. Gill
- Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Micco
- Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ivana Carey
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham R. Foster
- Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mala K. Maini
- Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MKM); (PTFK)
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MKM); (PTFK)
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13
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Brazzelli V, Rivetti N, Croci GA, Barbarini G, Vassallo C, Paulli M, Borroni G. Long-term remission of erythrodermic mycosis fungoides after persistent control of hepatitis B infection. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016; 31:e108-e110. [PMID: 27422529 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V Brazzelli
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, Institute of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - N Rivetti
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, Institute of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - G A Croci
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - G Barbarini
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Vassallo
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, Institute of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Paulli
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - G Borroni
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, Institute of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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14
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Papatheodoridis G, Vlachogiannakos I, Cholongitas E, Wursthorn K, Thomadakis C, Touloumi G, Petersen J. Discontinuation of oral antivirals in chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review. Hepatology 2016; 63:1481-92. [PMID: 27100145 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The possibility of safe discontinuation of therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) remains one of the most controversial topics in the management of chronic hepatitis B. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the existing data on NA discontinuation in this setting and tried to identify factors affecting the probability of posttherapy remission. A literature search was performed in order to identify all published studies including patients who discontinued NAs in virological remission (VR) and were followed for ≥12 months thereafter. Twenty-five studies with 1716 patients were included. The pooled rates of durable VR remission were 51.4%, 39.3%, and 38.2% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, after NA discontinuation, being relatively higher in initially hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients (62.5%, 53.4%, 51.5%) than HBeAg-negative patients (43.7%, 31.3%, 30.1%) (P = 0.064). The weighted probability of durable biochemical remission was 65.4%, being numerically higher in HBeAg-positive than HBeAg-negative patients (76.2% versus 56.7%, P = 0.130). The weighted probability of hepatitis B surface antigen loss was 2.0%. The rates of durable VR did not significantly differ according to the VR definition (hepatitis B virus DNA <200, < 2000, < 20,000 IU/mL) or duration of on-therapy VR in HBeAg-positive patients, but they were significantly higher in studies with HBeAg-negative patients and on-therapy VR > 24 than ≤ 24 months (VR at 12 months off-NAs: 75.0% versus 35.6%, P = 0.005). The weighted probability of durable HBeAg seroconversion was 91.9% and 88.0% at 12 and 24 months, respectively, after NA discontinuation without being affected by the duration of on-therapy VR or consolidation therapy (>6 months in all studies). CONCLUSION Durable VR seems to be feasible in a substantial proportion of patients who discontinue long-term NA therapy; on-therapy VR > 24 months offers higher chances of off-NA VR in patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vlachogiannakos
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Karsten Wursthorn
- IFI Institute at Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christos Thomadakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Giota Touloumi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Jörg Petersen
- IFI Institute at Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Chang BW, Kaung A, Robbins L, Tran TT. Hepatitis B: Working Towards a Cure. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2016; 17:35. [PMID: 26275560 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-015-0460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
First-line oral therapies for hepatitis B are effective at viral suppression, and treatment can lead to biochemical improvement and histologic regression. Unfortunately, recommended endpoints of treatment such as HBeAg loss and seroconversion may not be durable, with high rates of seroreversion, requiring monitoring, and unfortunately, low rates of HBsAg loss/seroconversion. Additionally, meeting these endpoints requires years or even indefinite administration, leading to concerns regarding cost, side effects, and high rates of nonadherence. This article will review defined endpoints of therapy and their durability, the risks of long-term therapy, and the evolving new therapies aimed at a viral cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca W Chang
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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16
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Giersch K, Dandri M. Hepatitis B and Delta Virus: Advances on Studies about Interactions between the Two Viruses and the Infected Hepatocyte. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2015; 3:220-9. [PMID: 26623269 PMCID: PMC4663204 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2015.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms determining persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and long-term pathogenesis of HBV-associated liver disease appear to be multifactorial. Although viral replication can be efficiently suppressed by the antiviral treatments currently available, viral clearance is generally not achieved since HBV has developed unique replication strategies, enabling persistence of its genome within the infected hepatocytes. Moreover, no direct antiviral therapy exists for the more than 15 million people worldwide that are also coinfected with the hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a defective virus that needs the HBV envelope proteins for propagation. The limited availability of robust HBV and HDV infection systems has hindered the understanding of the complex network of virus-virus and virus-host interactions that are established in the course of infection and slowed down progress in drug development. Since chronic HBV/HDV coinfection leads to the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms regulating virus-host interplay and pathogenesis are urgently needed. This article summarizes the current knowledge regarding the interactions among HBV, HDV, and the infected target cell and discusses the dependence of HDV on HBV activity and possible future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Giersch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel site, Germany
- Correspondence to: Maura Dandri, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany. Tel: +49-40741052949, Fax: +49-40741057232, E-mail:
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