Hepatitis C virus infection does not preclude standard breast cancer-directed therapy

In the United States, over 3 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and over 200,000 women develop breast cancer annually. Yet, no published studies have investigated the tolerability of breast cancer- directed therapy among women with HCV infection. We reviewed records at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and identified 35 patients with chronic HCV infection who were treated for breast cancer between the years 1991 and 2005. One (2.9%) of 35 also had chronic hepatitis B virus infection. There were no complications related to HCV infection during or after surgery or radiation therapy. A total of 29 (82.9%) of the 35 patients received chemotherapy for breast cancer. Of the 29, only 4 required chemotherapy delays or adjustments in dosing because of HCV infection. In conclusion, breast cancer therapy was well tolerated among women with HCV infection. Considering the paucity of complications, routine screening for HCV infection is not warranted among women with breast cancer and no defined risk factors for HCV infection.