Systematic review: lamivudine prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced reactivation of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy is a well-documented and potentially fatal complication. Data supporting the use of lamivudine for primary prophylaxis have emerged, but its use remains controversial and is not standardized.

AIM:

To review current randomized-controlled trials, randomized trials and prospective case series to provide a clinically applicable, evidence-based recommendation.

METHODS:

The published literature was identified using a MEDLINE/PubMed search with secondary review of cited publications, and inclusion of all prospective studies.

RESULTS:

In nine prospective trials and one randomized-controlled trial, the rate of hepatitis among subjects receiving lamivudine prophylaxis ranged from 0% to 20% (16 of 173, 9.2%), compared with 33-67% among controls. Of patients receiving prophylaxis, 0-24% (15 of 173, 8.7%) developed hepatitis B virus reactivation, compared with 29-56% of controls. Three reactivation-related mortalities were reported (one receiving prophylaxis, two controls). No patients withdrew secondary to toxicity or development of lamivudine-resistant mutations.

CONCLUSIONS:

The available data show a four- to sevenfold decrease in the rate of hepatitis and hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients who receive lamivudine prophylaxis. It is thus recommended that all hepatitis B surface antigen carriers receive lamivudine, or a comparable anti-viral agent, as prophylaxis from the initiation of chemotherapy until at least 1 year following its completion.

• Authors: H E Kohrt, D L Ouyang, E B Keeffe
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 24 Issue 7 Pg. 1003-16 (Oct 01 2006) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 16984494 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Antiviral Agents
• Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
• Lamivudine

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Hepatitis B, Chronic (prevention & control, virology)
• Humans
• Lamivudine (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)