In a nutshell
This study looked at the risk of reactivating hepatitis B (HBV) infection in patients with lymphoma treated with obinutuzumab (Gazyva) or rituximab (Rituxan). Researchers found that HBV infection was reactivated in some of these patients but treatment options are available.
Some background
Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. It is often treated with drugs that target the immune system such as obinutuzumab and rituximab. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It can be inactive in many people. However, this infection can sometimes be reactivated if the immune system is affected. It is important to research if treatment for lymphoma may cause reactivation of HBV infection.
Methods & findings
326 patients with lymphoma and previous HBV infection were included in the study. Patients received either obinutuzumab or rituximab treatment. HBV levels were measured each month for 1 year after treatment. Patients with high levels of HBV were treated with antiviral medication.
27 (8.2%) patients had HBV reactivation at an average of 125 days after the first dose of treatment. Out of the patients who were not on antiviral drugs before lymphoma treatment 10.8% had HBV reactivation. Among the patients who received antiviral therapy to prevent HBV reactivation, 2.1% experienced reactivation.
Patients who received antiviral medication had a longer time until reactivation compared who those who did not receive the medication. There was a 91% lower risk of HBV reactivation in patients receiving antiviral medication.
The bottom line
The study concluded that HBV reactivation can happen during lymphoma treatment but it can be prevented with antiviral medication.
The fine print
This study included data from two different studies with different protocols.
Published By :
Blood
Date :
Oct 19, 2018
