Cancer Hep B risk
November 8, 2011
US researchers have found that
only 20% of patients with newly
diagnosed cancer who had
hepatitis B virus (HBV) risk factors
were screened for HBV infection
before starting chemotherapy.
The study looked at the records
of 70,737 patients, and found the
amount of HBV screening to be
“inadequate”, given that it is
common for chemotherapy to
reactivate the hepatitis B virus.
According to the study, reactivation
may have occurred in nearly 25%
of all patients, however it could
have been prevented with
screening and antiviral prophylaxis
prior to the onset of chemo.
“For medical providers to practice
effective screening, data-driven
policies and strong collaboration
among oncology and hepatology
communities are essential,” said
study head, Dr Jessica Wang.
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