Hepatitis B Screening compliance for patients commencing chemotherapy

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) has potentially serious consequences including hepatitis flares associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and increased mortality due to liver failure. Undiagnosed HBV, either chronic or resolved HBV infection cases, are at risk of HBVr when they receive chemotherapy.

In 2022, Calvary Mater Newcastle (CMN) identified that there were no standard procedures or departmental guidelines for the testing for HBV prior to commencing chemotherapy. Given the inaccuracies in ascertaining risks and incidence rate for HBV or HBVr, the Department of Medical Oncology endorsed a guideline for Pre-Chemotherapy Hepatitis Screening.