Anthracycline-Induced Hepatitis B Reactivation in Solid Organ Cancers: A Multicenter Study
Objectives: Hepatitis B reactivation is extremely rare in HBsAg-negative/Anti-HBcIgG-positive patients receiving che-motherapy for solid organ cancer in our current practice. In our study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of reacti- vation and associated risk factors in patients with solid tumors receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Methods: In the study, the records of 3147 patients with solid tumors receiving anthracycline chemotherapy were examined retrospectively. HBsAg negative/Anti-HBcIgG positivity was detected in 196 (6.2%) of the patients.
Results: Elevated liver enzymes were found in 45 patients, with the identified causes being adverse effects of chemo- therapeutics in 18 (9.1%),liver metastasis in 11 (5.5%), use of antibiotics and analgesics in 7 (3.6%),herbal medications in 7 (3.6%), and Hepatitis B reactivation in 2 (1%) patients. Patients who developed Hepatitis B reactivation had Rheu- matoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and were on steroids.
Conclusion: In our study, the rates of hepatitis B reactivation after anthracycline chemotherapy in HBsAg negative/ AntiHBcIgG positive solid tumor patients were found to be lower than those reported in the literature. Our results sug- gest that prophylactic strategies for hepatitis B reactivation should be repeatedly considered in this group of patients.
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