[Reactivation of chronic hepatitis B infection related to imatinib mesylate therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: two cases report and literatures review].

OBJECTIVE

To probe the cause for triggering HBV reactivation and possible management of the chronic hepatitis B individuals received imatinib.

METHODS

This study presented two cases of transient hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and hepatic dysfunction during oral imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and made a literatures review about the pathogenesis, possible prophylactic and therapeutic management of such chronic hepatitis B individuals receiving imatinib.

RESULTS

Two CML patients, without prior liver dysfunction but with chronic HBV infection, suffered from transient HBV reactivation occurred during oral imatinib. Both of them finally obtained good outcome following the additional oral nucleotide antiviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

It remained unclear whether imatinib induced the reactivation of HBV in patients with a latent HBV infection. From our study, all candidates receiving oral imatinib should be screened for HBsAg and anti-HBc antibodies prior to initiation of imatinib. Prophylactic antiviral therapy should be offered to HBV-infected individuals along with a close monitoring for signs of reactivation.