Sofosbuvir-Based Therapy in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Cancer Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Limited data exists on treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in cancer patients.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and multiple myeloma are common co-occurring conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based therapy (SOFBT) in cancer patients with chronic HCV.
• To assess the impact of SOFBT on cancer-related outcomes and access to investigational cancer treatments.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study included 153 cancer patients treated with SOFBT between 2014-2017.
• Efficacy was measured by sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12), and safety was assessed via adverse events (AEs).
• Cancer outcomes and access to cancer clinical trials were also evaluated.

Main Results:

• An overall SVR12 rate of 91% was achieved, with 100% SVR12 in patients receiving 8 weeks of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir.
• 84% of patients with HCV, initially excluded from cancer trials, gained access to cancer therapy after SOFBT.
• Six patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) showed positive responses to SOFBT, with some achieving remission.

Conclusions:

• SOFBT is an effective and safe treatment for HCV in cancer patients.
• SOFBT can facilitate access to investigational cancer therapies and expand treatment options.
• Shortened 8-week SOFBT regimens are viable, and the therapy may induce remission in NHL.