Anti-HBs Protect Against HBV Reactivation During Chemotherapy | Tori Rodriguez, MA, LPC

A new article published in Hematology linked hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) with reduced reactivation risk in individuals with resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies.¹

This risk for reactivation in this scenario has become a growing area of concern in recent years, as it can lead to liver failure and death, in addition to causing delays in treating the cancer. The American Gastroenterological Association Institute issued guidelines in 2015 regarding the prevention and treatment of HBV reactivation during immunosuppressive drug therapy.²

Patients with chronic HBV infection whose malignancies are treated with rituximab or bone marrow transplantation have the greatest reactivation risk (30% – 80%).³ Although those with resolved HBV infection also carry the risk for reactivation (up to 16%), some findings indicate that anti-HBs may protect against reactivation, although other data have been conflicting.^4,5