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An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Managing viral hepatitis in cancer patients under immune checkpoint inhibitors: should we take the risk?
Stijn J De Keukeleire1, Tijl Vermassen2, Zahra M Nezhad2
1Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent 9000, Belgium.
Abstract:
More patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infection are being exposed to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but the safety and efficacy of ICIs in patients with chronic viral hepatitis are still poorly described. To explore this interaction, we identified eight studies of cancer patients with viral hepatitis treated with one or more ICIs, formally assessed tumor responses and safety by grading liver dysfunction. ICIs appear to be relatively safe in HBV/HCV-infected patients, and hepatitis related to viral reactivation is rare. In some patients, viral load regressed during ICI treatment, so immune checkpoints may play a role in viral clearance. HBV/HCV do not appear to be a contraindication to ICIs, although careful clinical and biochemical follow-up is recommended and, whenever necessary, antiviral therapy commenced.
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