International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 001-006
Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Patient with Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Clinical Significance

Abdullah ALTINTAŞ1, Mehmet A. KAPLAN1, Timuçin ÇİL1, Şerif YILMAZ1, Kadim BAYAN1, Ramazan DANIŞ1, Orhan AYYILDIZ1

Dicle Üniversitesi, İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, DİYARBAKIR

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Lymphoproliferative disorders
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotrophic virus that have also a potential to replicate in lymphoid cells. This has led to evaluation of potential association between HBV infection and lymphomas. In this study, we retrospectively determined the HBV surface antigen and anti-HBs antibody in Southeastern region of Turkey where the prevalence of this infection is relatively high. A total of 276 patients were recruited, 203 (73.6%) with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and 73 (26.4%) with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), in the period of January 1995 and December 2005. In total, 40 (14.5%) patients were positive for HBsAg. Of them, 12 (16.4%) were in HL group and 28 (13.7%) were in NHL group. Anti-HBs antibody was positive in total of 123 patients [29 (39.7%) in HL and 94 (46.3%) in NHL]. Eleven patients were taken lamivudine prophylaxis (100 mg po / day) in the last two years. Ten were not developed a reactivation, while one with diffuse large-cell NHL reactivated. Besides, one patients with HL who was not taking prophylaxis developed anti-HBcIgM positive with aminotransferase elevations compatible with acute hepatitis. Although HBsAg positivity was higher in lymphoma patients than in general population in our study, for a possible casual association there is need for prospective studies with wider populations. In conclusion, prophylaxis with lamivudine of HBV carriers is important and treatment should be continued until one year after termination of chemotherapy.