Lamivudine prevents hepatitis B virus reactivation in cancer patients.

2004 APR 15 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Lamivudine prevents hepatitis B virus reactivation in cancer patients.

"Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in HBV carriers undergoing immunosuppressive therapy is clearly documented, the role of antiviral prophylaxis in such individuals is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of lamivudine prophylaxis in HBV carriers with hemato/oncological malignancies who receive chemotherapy. Eighteen HBV carriers with malignancy, who were candidates for chemotherapy, were enrolled," scientists in Turkey report.

"Eight subjects (three with leukemia, four with lymphoma and one with …