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

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

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

Research advances in reactivation of hepatitis virus after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma-combined hepatitis B virus infection

Infection rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in our country remains high. Many patients showed combined HBV infection; the most common blood system disease is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)-combined HBV infection. Drugs used in treating lymphoma may induce different degrees of HBV reactivation. Such condition may lead to hepatic failure or death. Currently, scholars pay increasing attention to reactivation of HBV by rituximab and/or chemotherapy for NHL-combined HBV patients. This study summarizes research advances in this topic, with a view of providing background information for further research.

Antiviral therapy in the improvement of survival of patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To evaluate the role of antiviral therapy with nucleoside analogs (NAs) in sorafenib-treated patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was done in 151 HBV-related HCC patients treated with sorafenib at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 2007 and 2012. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival and adverse events were compared in patients treated with/without NAs. Subgroup analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the efficiency of NAs and prognostic factors for OS.

RESULTS

HBV-related HCC patients (n=151) were identified from our database of HCC patients treated with sorafenib. Patients treated with NAs (antiviral group, n=88) had significantly improved OS compared with the patients who received no NAs (non-antiviral group, n=63; median OS: 16.47 months vs 13.10 months, P=0.03). Patients in the antiviral group had a significant risk reduction of death compared with the non-antiviral group (hazard ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.46-0.98, P=0.04). By subgroup analysis, patients of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C and patients with higher presorafenib HBV-DNA level achieved better survival improvement. Antiviral therapy with NAs was one of the independent prognostic factors for OS of HBV-related HCC patients who were treated with sorafenib.

CONCLUSION

Antiviral therapy with NAs improved OS of HBV-related HCC patients treated with sorafenib, especially in patients with BCLC stage C disease and higher HBV-DNA level.

Risk and prophylaxis strategy of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy with or without rituximab

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a serious but preventable complication for patients with lymphoma receiving systemic therapy. Without antiviral prophylaxis, the HBV reactivation rate is estimated to be > 50% in patients who are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and fatal hepatic failure is not uncommon. Current guidelines suggest that routine antiviral prophylaxis should be administered to all HBsAg-positive patients until 6-12 months after completion of chemotherapy. For those who are negative for HBsAg and positive for hepatitis B core antibody, HBV reactivation is uncommon when a conventional dose of chemotherapy is administered. However, with rituximab-containing immunochemotherapy, the HBV reactivation rate is 18% and the clinical course can vary from asymptomatic viremia to fulminant hepatic failure that can be potentially fatal. In this review, we discuss the risk, clinical course and prophylactic strategy of HBV reactivation in patients with lymphoma treated with chemotherapy with or without rituximab.

Relationship between hepatitis B virus and lymphoma

China is a highly endemic area of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially in Guangdong and Guangxi, where HBV infection rate is significantly higher than those in other cities. Lymphoma is one of the most common malignant tumors with unknown etiological agents and complex pathogenesis, and its incidence has markedly increased in recent decades. Epidemiological investigations find that the HBV infection rate in patients with lymphoma is significantly higher than that in patients with solid tumors other than primary hepatic carcinoma and in general population. This paper summarizes the recent progress in understanding the correlation between HBV and lymphoma.

The risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation and the role of antiviral prophylaxis in hepatitis B surface antigen negative/hepatitis B core antibody positive patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving rituximab-based chemotherapy

The risk factors and the role of prophylactic antiviral therapy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative/hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) positive disease remain controversial. We reviewed 629 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Among 629 patients, 150 of 246 patients with resolved HBV (HBsAg negative and HBcAb positive) were treated with rituximab-combined therapy. Among these 150 patients, none of 104 patients (0.0%) who were hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) positive experienced HBV reactivation versus four of 46 patients (8.7%) who were HBsAb negative (p = 0.008). One of 113 patients (0.9%) with International Prognostic Index (IPI) 0-2 suffered HBV reactivation versus three of the remaining 37 patients (8.1%) with IPI 3-5 (p = 0.047). HBsAb and IPI are potential risk factors for HBV reactivation. The use of prophylactic agents may not be recommended for these patients until the occurrence of HBV reactivation.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Hong Kong Chinese

INTRODUCTION

Little information is available on the outcomes of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Chinese patients. We analyzed the clinical and histopathological characteristics, treatment types, clinical course and treatment outcomes of Hong Kong Chinese patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed from January 1991 to December 2010 were recruited. A retrospective analysis of these patients was performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven Chinese patients (38 males and 29 females) were identified and the median age was 36 (range 16-80). Nodular sclerosis was the most common histology (54%), followed by mixed cellularity (36%). Twenty-four patients had early favorable, 20 patients had early unfavorable and 23 patients had advanced-stage diseases. The most common presentation was palpable lymph node or mass (85%) followed by fever, weight loss, night sweating and mediastinal mass. Ninety percent of patients received chemotherapy and 40% received radiotherapy as consolidation. Seven patients with stage I lymphoma received radiotherapy alone. ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) was the most commonly used chemotherapeutic regimen. Following treatment, 87% of patients achieved complete remission. Six patients relapsed after first remission and 3 achieved second remission after re-induction therapy. The 5-year overall survival of the entire cohort was 89% and the freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) at 5 years was 82%. The 5-year overall survival rate for early favorable, early unfavorable and advanced stages was 95.7%, 95.0% and 74.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the relatively low incidence of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Hong Kong Chinese, the treatment outcomes are comparable to Caucasian patients.

A drug safety evaluation of rituximab and risk of hepatitis B

INTRODUCTION

Rituximab is a widely prescribed anti-CD20 mAb for the treatment of CD20(+) B-cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and many other immune mediated conditions. There is a well-described association between rituximab containing chemo-immunotherapy treatment and reactivation of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This review summarizes the current literature surrounding rituximab-associated HBV reactivation.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, we review the literature detailing the risk of HBV reactivation in inactive carriers and those with resolved hepatitis. The clinical presentation and management of HBV reactivation are also discussed along with a summary of clinical trials evaluating antiviral prophylaxis. Finally, clinical recommendations are detailed. Data from clinical trials, observational studies, reviews, and meta-analyses available in the Medline database were included in this narrative review.

EXPERT OPINION

Screening should be performed in all patients prior to the administration of any type of anti-CD20 mAb therapy. Among those with positive screening serology, testing for hepatitis B e antigen or viral load by polymerase chain reaction is appropriate. In those patients with detectable HBV DNA, the decision regarding the use of antiviral prophylaxis or observation should be individualized.

Hepatitis B reactivation and rituximab: a new boxed warning and considerations for solid organ transplantation

Use of rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed at the CD20 antigen, continues to increase in solid organ transplantation (SOT) for several off-label uses. In September 2013, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Drug Safety Communication to oncology, rheumatology and pharmacy communities outlining a new Boxed Warning for rituximab. Citing 109 cases of fatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in persons receiving rituximab therapy with previous or chronic HBV infection documented in their Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS), the FDA recommends screening for HBV serologies in all patients planned to receive rituximab and antiviral prophylaxis in any patient with a positive history of HBV infection. There is a lack of data pertaining to this topic in the SOT population despite an increase in off-label indications. Previous reports suggest patients receiving rituximab, on average, were administered six doses prior to HBV reactivation. Recommendations on prophylaxis, treatment and re-challenging patients with therapy after resolution of reactivation remain unclear. Based on data from the FDA AERS and multiple analyses in oncology, SOT providers utilizing rituximab should adhere to the FDA warnings and recommendations regarding HBV reactivation until further data are available in the SOT population.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation with rituximab-containing regimen

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

Concurrent infection of hepatitis B virus negatively affects the clinical outcome and prognosis of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after chemotherapy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is hepatotropic and lymphotropic. HBV-infected individuals have an increased risk of developing malignant lymphoma, and the HBV infection rate in lymphoma patients is significantly higher than that in the general population. However, the exact mechanism and correlation between HBV infection and lymphoma onset and progression currently remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients with different HBV infection statuses. The results showed that the HBV infection rate was significantly higher in patients with B-cell type and late stage of NHL. The chemotherapy efficacy for NHL patients with chronic active HBV infection was significantly lower than that for the patients with chronic inactive HBV infection, the patients with HBV carriers and the patients without HBV infection. In addition, the NHL chemotherapy activated HBV replication and caused significant liver dysfunction, which could further reduce the chemotherapy efficacy. Through Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank analysis, we found that the HBV infection status in NHL patients was significantly correlated with the patients’ progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Compared with the patients without HBV infection (PFS: 95% CI 47.915 to 55.640; OS: 95% CI 81.324 to 86.858), the PFS and OS of the patients with chronic active HBV infection were significantly shorter (PFS: 95% CI 9.424 to 42.589, P < 0.001; OS: 95% CI 42.840 to 82.259, P = 0.006). The study demonstrated that the sustained HBV replication in patients with chronic active HBV infection could be a key factor that influences the prognosis of NHL patients after chemotherapy, and thus may provide information for designing rational clinical treatments for NHL patients with different HBV infection statuses and improve the treatment efficacy and prognosis.

An optimized antiviral modification strategy for prevention of hepatitis B reactivation in patients undergoing prophylactic lamivudine and chemotherapy: a pilot study

In patients receiving prophylactic lamivudine (LAM) and chemotherapy, hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation cannot be eliminated without knowing the latent causes and optimal management. In our previous study, virus breakthrough and relapse were highly suspected as potential virologic causes for HBV reactivation. Therefore, we reviewed 24 previous studies and 447 patients who underwent chemotherapy and prophylactic LAM, with an incidence of 7.2 % HBV reactivation. Virus breakthrough and relapse were seldom investigated in these studies. In addition, 72 patients that underwent prophylactic LAM and chemotherapy at our centers were also analyzed. Among them, eight patients developed virus breakthrough, with another nine developing virus relapse after discontinuation of LAM. Eight patients received antiviral modification, which included administration of adefovir for patients with virus breakthrough or resumption of LAM for patients with virus relapse and none of them developed HBV reactivation. In contrast, of the nine patients who did not receive antiviral modification, six developed HBV reactivation and two died. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that virus breakthrough and relapse were the critical causative factors of HBV reactivation in patients receiving chemotherapy and prophylactic LAM. An optimized antiviral modification strategy could effectively prevent HBV reactivation in patients with virus breakthrough or relapse.

Efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine to prevent hepatitis B virus reactivation in B-cell lymphoma treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common complication in patients with HBV infection who receive cytotoxic chemotherapy. In rituximab-containing chemotherapy for B-cell lymphoma, severe hepatitis due to HBV reactivation occurred. The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of prophylactic lamivudine on the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with HBV infection who receive rituximab-containing chemotherapy.

METHODS

In this study, HBV markers and liver function tests were monitored in 268 consecutive patients with B-cell lymphoma, who received rituximab-containing chemotherapy between January 2008 and November 2011. Sixty-nine patients (25.7 %) with either chronic HBV infection or past HBV infection received prophylaxis with lamivudine 100 mg daily by oral intake.

RESULTS

In the HBsAg-positive group, six (6/38) patients developed hepatitis, only one of which was attributed to HBV reactivation. In the HBsAg-negative and HBcAb-positive group, two (2/31) patients developed hepatitis, none of which was attributed to HBV reactivation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support that prophylactic lamivudine can prevent HBV reactivation for B-cell lymphoma with HBV infection who was receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B virus screening before chemotherapy for lymphoma: a cost-effectiveness analysis

PURPOSE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a potentially fatal complication of chemotherapy that can be largely prevented with antiviral prophylaxis. It remains unclear whether HBV screening is cost effective.

METHODS

A decision model was developed to compare the clinical outcomes, costs, and cost effectiveness of three HBV screening strategies for patients with lymphoma before R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy: screen all patients for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg; Screen-All), screen patients identified as being at high risk for HBV infection (Screen-HR), and screen no one (Screen-None). Patients testing positive were administered antiviral therapy until 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. Those not screened were initiated on antiviral therapy only if HBV hepatitis occurred. Probabilities of HBV and lymphoma outcomes were derived from systematic literature review. A third-party payer perspective was adopted, costs were expressed in 2011 Canadian dollars, and a 1-year time horizon was used.

RESULTS

Screen-All was the dominant strategy. It was least costly at $32,589, compared with $32,598 for Screen-HR and $32,657 for Screen-None. It was also associated with the highest 1-year survival rate at 84.99%, compared with 84.96% for Screen-HR and 84.86% for Screen-None. The analysis was sensitive to the prevalence of HBsAg positivity in the low-risk population, with Screen-HR becoming least costly when this value was ≤ 0.20%.

CONCLUSION

In patients receiving R-CHOP for lymphoma, screening all patients for HBV reduces the rate of HBV reactivation (10-fold) and is less costly than screening only high-risk patients or screening no patients.

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.

Kinetics of viral loads and risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatitis B core antibody-positive rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the kinetics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral loads and HBV reactivation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing therapy with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors.

METHODS

The authors investigated the virological, serological and biochemical evidence of HBV reactivation in 88 RA patients receiving anti-TNFα therapy. Levels of HBV surface (HBs) antigen (Ag), anti-HBV core (HBc)-IgG and anti-HBs antibody (Ab) were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and viral loads were determined by real-time PCR assay.

RESULTS

In a total of 88 HBcAb-positive patients, 18 (20.5%) patients were HBsAg-positive, 12 (13.6%) patients were HBsAg-negative/HBsAb-negative and 58 (65.9%) patients were HBsAg-negative/HBsAb-positive before starting anti-TNFα therapy. Among HBsAg-positive patients receiving anti-TNFα therapy, HBV reactivation was documented in none of 10 patients who received lamivudine pre-emptive therapy and serum viral loads significantly decreased (mean ± SEM, 153,860 ± 80,120 IU/ml at baseline vs 313 ± 235 IU/ml after 12 months antiviral therapy, p<0.001), paralleling the decrease in serum aminotransferase levels. In contrast, five (62.5%) of eight patients without antiviral prophylaxis developed HBV reactivation, viral loads significantly increased after anti-TNFα therapy (9375 ± 5924 IU/ml vs 49,710,000 ± 40,535,000 IU/ml, p<0.001), and markedly declined after antiviral therapy (49,710,000 ± 40,535,000 IU/ml vs 6382 ± 2424 IU/ml, p<0.001). Baseline viral loads were detectable in four (33.3%) of 12 patients who had HBsAg-negative/HBsAb-negative status, and one developed HBV reactivation after anti-TNFα therapy.

CONCLUSION

HBV reactivation can occur in both HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients with detectable HBV DNA, so-called occult HBV infection, during anti-TNFα therapy. Antiviral prophylaxis may effectively reduce HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive RA patients undergoing anti-TNFα therapy.

The effect of prophylactic lamivudine on hepatitis B virus reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma undergoing prolonged rituximab therapy

The association of prolonged rituximab therapy and hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the role of lamivudine prophylaxis remain undefined. The prevalence and mortality of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients with DLBCL undergoing rituximab-based treatment, who received prophylactic treatment with or without lamivudine, were retrospectively analyzed. From January 2003 to December 2009, there were 50 patients enrolled in the study, among of which 30 received the prophylactic treatment of lamivudine and 20 without prophylactic treatment of lamivudine. Among of the 50 patients, seven patients received further rituximab maintenance, once every 3 months for 2 years. Compared with lamivudine treatment group, it showed that there was significantly higher prevalence of HBV reactivation (60.0% vs 13.3%, P = .001), severe hepatitis (45.0% vs 6.7%, P = .004), and mortality (25.0% vs 3.3%, P = .032) in non-lamivudine prophylactic group; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the HBV DNA levels at reactivation (3.94 × 10(6) vs 8.30 × 10(5) copies/ml, P = .47) and the time from first dose of rituximab to HBV reactivation(207 vs 386 days, P = .28). For patients undergoing further rituximab maintanence treatment, the prevalence and mortality of HBV reactivation were 71.4 and 28.6%, respectively. The prevalence and mortality of HBV reactivation are 66.7% vs 75.0% (P = 1.00) and 0 vs 50.0% (P = .43) in lamivudine prophylactic and non-lamivudine prophylactic groups, respectively. The effect of lamivudine prophylaxis on preventing HBV reactivation was found to be less in patients undergoing longer duration of rituximab treatment. A longer duration of rituximab treatment contributed to higher morbidity and mortality of HBV reactivation in HbsAg-positive patients with DLBCL. Further study is warranted for the optimal management of hepatitis caused by HBV reactivation.

Prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation under rituximab therapy

Rituximab is a useful drug for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and its use has been extended to other diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. One serious complication associated with rituximab use is reactivation of hepatitis B virus, and the search for methods to prevent this occurrence has resulted in a rapid accumulation of knowledge in recent years. In this review, we will discuss case studies from our group, as well as other groups, and outline current knowledge on the topic together with issues that remain to be resolved.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Hepatitus B virus reactivation in HBV-DNA negative and positive patients with hematological malignancies

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a frequent complication of chemotherapy (CT) in patients with HBsAg carriers. In this prospective study, we documented CT induced HBV reactivation risk in patients with hematological malignancies. HBV reactivation risk is influenced by baseline viral load. Therefore, we divided our study population into two groups according to HBV-DNA status. HBV-DNA negative patients (n=18) were treated with nucleoside analogues once HBV reactivation was observed. HBV-DNA positive patients (n=12) commenced lamivudine before the initiation of the CT. In HBV-DNA negative patients HBV reactivation was found in 10 patients (55.5%). HBV reactivation was significantly more frequent in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients (P=0.008) and in patients receiving rituximab containing chemotherapy regimens (P=0.06). Eight patients (80.0%) responded to antiviral treatment after HBV reactivation. Two CLL patients experienced a flare-up after the withdrawal of antiviral therapy. In HBV-DNA positive patients, HBV reactivation was observed in four patients (33.3%) during lamivudine treatment and in two patients after lamivudine withdrawal. This study demonstrated the increased risk of CT-induced HBV reactivation in CLL patients, for the first time.

Hepatitis B reactivation and rituximab in the oncology practice

Rituximab use in hematology and oncology practice has significantly and positively improved the clinical outcomes in patients with a wide variety of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. However, emerging data reveal that there is a risk of viral hepatitis B reactivation in some patients treated with rituximab. Many of these cases result in treatment delays, inferior oncologic outcomes, increased morbidity, and more rarely fulminant hepatic decompensation and death. Indeed, the rituximab package insert and many clinical practice guidelines have been modified to reflect these concerns. The true incidence and mechanism of reactivation are still being elucidated. This article focuses on the current evidence that supports these recently revised clinical recommendations along with a review of the risk factors for reactivation, suggested monitoring, and preventative interventions.

Entecavir is an optional agent to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation: a review of 16 patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a fatal complication in patients who receive chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy. We examined the effect of preventive entecavir (ETV), a new nucleoside analogue on HBV reactivation during chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.

METHODS

Between February 2007 and September 2009, sixteen nucleoside analogue treatment-naive patients with chronic HBV infection (HB surface antigen [HBsAg] positive) who required chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy were enrolled. Referring to some guidelines, the patients received preventive ETV to reduce incidence of HBV reactivation, and were closely monitored for HBV markers.

RESULTS

HBV reactivation did not occur in any of the 16 patients and the indispensable treatments for their underlying diseases could be continued. However, HBV relapsed after preventive ETV was discontinued in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that ETV is a useful option for preventing HBV reactivation in patients with chronic HBV infection.

Low incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation during chemotherapy among diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients who are HBsAg-negative/ HBcAb-positive: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is less common in lymphoma patients with prior resolved HBV infection [characterized by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative/hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive status] compared with chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positive) when receiving chemotherapy alone. The use of rituximab in chemotherapy regimen might increase the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with prior resolved HBV infection. However, the incidence of HBV reactivation is uncertain, and prophylactic antiviral treatment for this group of patients during rituximab-containing chemotherapy is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients diagnosed of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and treated with CHOP-like or RCHOP-like regimen. In addition, this study also aims to explore the relationship of HBV reactivation and HBV serology.

METHODS

Patients were identified using data from six university hospitals collected between January 1998 and November 2008. Four hundred and thirty-seven patients with complete data were selected based on the diagnosis of CD20+ DLBCL, availability of HBV serum markers prior to initiation of chemotherapy and during the development of hepatitis, completion of at least four cycles of chemotherapy using CHOP-like or RCHOP-like regimen, and follow-up for at least 6 months after completion of treatment. The characteristics of the HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients treated with CHOP-like regimen were compared to those treated with RCHOP-like regimen.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients of the total 437 patients had pretreatment serology of prior resolved hepatitis B, with a prevalence of 20.1%. Among them, 45 patients received CHOP-like regimen while 43 patients received RCHOP-like regimen. Five patients developed hepatitis during treatment, two from CHOP group and three from RCHOP group. Only one patient treated with RCHOP had hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation, while the other four patients did not have evidence of HBV reactivation. Those four patients also demonstrated positive HBsAb at baseline, while the only patient who suffered from HBV reactivation had negative HBsAb status. This patient was successfully treated with antiviral medications. There were no statistically significant risk factors predictive of HBV reactivation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed a low HBV reactivation rate of 2.3% in prior resolved hepatitis B among DLBCL patients undergoing RCHOP-like therapy.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation and role of antiviral prophylaxis in lymphoma patients with past hepatitis B virus infection who are receiving chemoimmunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Individuals who had past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection appeared to clear their serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) while producing antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb), which is detectable in their serum. Currently, it is uncertain whether patients with past HBV infection require routine antiviral prophylaxis during chemotherapy, although some cancer agencies recommend its routine use. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence of past HBV infection in patients with lymphoma and its relevance in terms of HBV-related complications.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 430 patients with lymphoma from May 2006 to May 2008.

RESULTS

Among the 430 patients, 233 had both the HBsAg and HBcAb tests performed, whereas 197 had only the HBsAg test performed. Among those with both tests performed, 34.3% (80 of 233) were HBcAb positive only. Of these 80 patients, 58 had a concomitant HBV DNA level test, which was positive in 3 (5.2%). Of the 67 patients with past and 26 with chronic HBV infection who received chemotherapy, HBV reactivation occurred in 1.5% and 42.3% of patients, respectively (P<.0001). Prophylactic lamivudine was administered in 7 (10.4%) patients with past HBV infection and in 18 (69.2%) with chronic HBV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The low rate of HBV reactivation reported in our study coupled with the high prevalence of past HBV infection in an endemic area suggests that routine usage of antiviral prophylaxis may not be required for all patients with past HBV infection. Close surveillance remains a reasonable and viable option for the majority of patients.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation after 23 months of rituximab-based chemotherapy in an HBsAg-negative, anti-HBs-positive patient with follicular lymphoma

A 72-year-old female negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) was diagnosed to have follicular lymphoma in 2006. Seventeen cycles of rituximab-based chemotherapy were administered over 23 months. Twelve days after the last cycle of chemotherapy, serum aminotransferase levels were elevated, and hepatitis serology tests revealed reappearance of HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), loss of anti-HBs, and positivity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. Antiviral treatment with entecavir was administered immediately, and the hepatitis flare was controlled. Rituximab-based chemotherapy can induce HBV reactivation even in HBsAg-negative, anti-HBs-positive patients. Early recognition and prompt antiviral treatment is crucial for patients with HBV reactivation during anticancer therapy.

The late adverse events of rituximab therapy--rare but there!

Rituximab, an anti CD20 monoclonal antibody, has now become a cornerstone in the treatment of many CD20 positive hematological malignancies and a variety of autoimmune disorders. In contrast to the acute allergic and cytokine associated reactions, late adverse events of rituximab are indeed uncommon but at the same time probably under-reported. In this review, we detail late adverse events reported since its use in hemato-oncological neoplasias and other disorders. These adverse events include the development of late-onset neutropenia, defects of immune reconstitution with associated immune compromise, infections, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, reactivation of hepatitis, intestinal perforation and interstitial pneumonitis. Possible mechanisms involved in rituximab-associated complications and the pathogenesis of these adverse effects are reviewed and discussed. Evidence based graded recommendations for the management of these adverse effects are proposed.

Effect of prophylactic lamivudine for chemotherapy-associated hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma: a meta-analysis of published clinical trials and a decision tree addressing prolonged prophylaxis and maintenance

Lamivudine prophylaxis is an effective strategy in HbSAg-positive patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. Recent data indicate that a lamividune-prophylaxis strategy results in a decrease of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation rates, though its effect on HBV-mortality remains equivocal. This report evaluates the benefits from this strategy among lymphoma patients and develops a management approach for patients with prolonged immunosuppression. A Medline search was conducted to retrieve published trials on HBsAg-positive lymphoma patients receiving prophylactic lamivudine during chemotherapy. Basic inclusion criterion was to report HBV-reactivation rates with and without lamivudine prophylaxis. A meta-analysis of the risk of HBV-reactivation and HBV-related mortality was conducted, and the pooled effect was calculated as risk ratio (RR). We found that lamivudine prophylaxis is associated with a significant reduction in hepatitis B virus reactivation (RR 0.21, 95%CI 0.13-0.35) and a trend in reducing HBV-related mortality (RR 0.68, 95%CI 0.19-2.49). In order to study the long-term effects of anti-HBV prophylaxis when prolonged immunosuppression is needed, we used our findings to model a decision tree. Overall survival was the main outcome used in the analysis. Rituximab maintenance in B-cell lymphomas was used as a paradigm of prolonged immunosuppression. We found that extended anti-HBV prophylaxis can improve survival rates by 2.4% in HBsAg-positive patients. If 1,000 HBsAg-positive lymphoma patients receive prophylaxis, one will die from hepatitis B virus reactivation versus 25/1,000 if no prophylaxis is administered. This effect is probably mediated through a reduction of hepatitis B virus reactivation and HBV-related mortality. The ideal antiviral agent needs to be determined.

How I treat and monitor viral hepatitis B infection in patients receiving intensive immunosuppressive therapies or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a serious but preventable complication of immunosuppression. Full HBV serologic profile must be obtained from all patients receiving intensive immunosuppressive therapy. In general, preemptive anti-HBV therapy is more effective than giving treatment after development of reactivation. Prompt lamivudine therapy should be given to at-risk patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive. It is recommended that lamivudine be continued until at least 6 months after the cessation of immunosuppression. Some patients requiring a longer duration of lamivudine therapy are at risk of developing drug resistance. The newer anti-HBV agents are effective in overcoming lamivudine resistance. Early use of these agents may be considered. HBV reactivation was observed in HBsAg-negative patients with occult HBV infection (HBV DNA-positive) who are on heavy immunosuppression. The optimal management of this group of patients is unclear. For patients receiving allogeneic HSC transplants, the HBV status of the donors requires special attention. To minimize the risk of transmission of infection to recipients, HBsAg-positive donors should receive adequate anti-HBV therapy before HSC donation. As the result of adoptive immune transfer, clearance of HBsAg is observed in HBsAg-positive patients receiving HSC transplants from donors who are positive for hepatitis B surface and core antibodies.