Treatment induced seroconversion to HBsAb following HBV reactivation in the immunosuppressed haematology and oncology patient: A clinical survey of 5 cases in Catania, Italy

HBV reactivation can be a severe complication in onco-haematological patients undergoing chemotherapy with rituximab. In our experience all nucleos(t)ide analogues were safe and effective. Three patients seroconverted to HBsAb. This may be as a result of the antivirals enhancing the immune response to HBV. A similar role may also be played by immune recovery following the withdrawal of immune-suppressive treatment. This report confirms the importance of anti-viral prophylaxis in patients with a high risk of HBV reactivation.