Treatment induced seroconversion to HBsAb following HBV reactivation in the immunosuppressed haematology and oncology patient: a clinical survey of 5 cases in Catania, Italy

Occult HBV infection in the oncohematological setting

INTRODUCTION

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI), a virological condition characterized by a low release of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) from liver cells and low HBV-DNA levels in serum and/or liver tissue of HBsAg-negative subjects, may reactivate in oncohematological patients undergoing immunosuppression by aggressive chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The entity of OBI reactivation varies from an increase in HBV replication without liver damage to an active HBV replication followed by liver cell necrosis, frequently severe and in some cases life threatening. Because of a possible severe outcome associated with OBI reactivation (hepatic failure or death due to the discontinuation of chemotherapy), prophylaxis with anti-HBV nucleot(s)ide analogues is recommended in relation to the foreseeable degree of immunosuppression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review article focuses on the clinical impact of OBI in the oncohematological setting and is addressed to all health care workers having in care oncohematological patients or involved in the treatment of HBV infection and OBI prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

International guidelines have indicated lamivudine prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and when high-dose corticosteroids or anti-CD20 or anti-CD52 monoclonal antibodies are used. Entecavir or tenofovir should replace lamivudine for patients with advanced liver diseases for whom reactivation of OBI may be life threatening. When anti-CD20 or anti-CD52 sparing schedules or other non-aggressive chemotherapies are used, monitoring may be indicated, but very early treatment with highly effective antiviral drugs (entecavir or tenofovir) should be administered once a reactivation of OBI has occurred.

Entecavir as a first-line treatment for hepatitis B virus reactivation following polychemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and invasive ductal carcinoma: a report of two cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis B reactivation has been reported in chronic carriers of hepatitis B [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)] or in patients with prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who are HBsAg-negative and have antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) with or without antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs). Lamivudine has been the first and commonly used nucleoside analog to inhibit HBV replication; however, prolonged therapy has been associated with an increased risk for drug-resistant mutations and mortality rates. Entecavir, a deoxyguanosine analog, offers several advantages over lamivudine for the treatment of HBV reactivation following chemotherapy while exhibiting more potent antiviral activity and a lower resistance rate.

METHODS

Herein, we report rapid and sustained suppression of polychemotherapy-related HBV reactivation by entecavir administered as a prompt antiviral therapy in the cases of two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and invasive ductal carcinoma. A review of the literature is discussed.

RESULTS

Entecavir produced a rapid and sustained suppression of polychemotherapy-related HBV reactivation as a prompt antiviral therapy in the cases of two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and invasive ductal carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Allowing a rapid and sustained control of HBV replication, entecavir seems to be a promising drug for first-line prompt treatment of HBV reactivation in patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematological as well as solid organ malignancies, with safe long-term use enabling maintenance of resolved hepatitis.