Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment: Role of Lamivudine Prophylaxis

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a frequent complication in inactive HBV carriers at time of chemotherapy or following this chemotherapy. This complication appeared during or after chemotherapy and was not increased by the use of rituximab alone or combined with chemotherapy. This is a severe complication most frequently seen in lymphoma patients. Lamivudine have efficacy to treat the patients once the clinical disease is present. However, lamivudine prophylaxis beginning before chemotherapy and until at least 6 months after the end of chemotherapy is recommended for all HBV carriers. Hepatitis C virus is usually not associated with reactivation and prophylaxis should not be used.