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 chemotherapy for solid organ cancer in our current practice. In our study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of reactivation 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 chemotherapeutics 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 Rheumatoid 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/ Anti-HBcIgG positive solid tumor patients were found to be lower than those reported in the literature. Our results suggest that prophylactic strategies for hepatitis B reactivation should be repeatedly considered in this group of patients.