Detection of the Incidence of HBV, HCV Infection and Febrile Neutropenia Associated With CHOP With or Without Rituximab in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma-Treated Patients.

Background: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and febrile neutropenia (FN) are common in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients undergoing cyclophosphamide, hydroxyrubicin, Oncovin, and prednisolone (CHOP) or cyclophosphamide, hydroxyrubicin, Oncovin, prednisolone - rituximab containing (R-CHOP) chemotherapy. This ultimately leads to delaying the therapy, increasing hospital stay, and raising the pharmacoeconomic burden on patients. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of HBV and HCV infection and febrile neutropenia in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP and CHOP. Methodology: This was an institutional approved study in which patient records from a private hospital, specialized in hematology and oncology (Karachi, Pakistan), were reviewed retrospectively from 2014 to 2016. Patients aged above 18 years with known diagnosis of DLBCL who underwent CHOP-21 or R-CHOP-21 chemotherapy regimen were included. Baseline blood chemistry and liver function tests along with the data regarding HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs]), HCV (antibody anti-HCV), and febrile neutropenia were collected from patient records. Results: In total, 35 cases of DLBCL were treated during a 3-year period (ie, from 2014 to 2016), of which 16 were on CHOP-21 regimen whereas 19 were treated with R-CHOP-21. Of the 19 patients who underwent R-CHOP chemotherapy, only 2 (10%) patients were HBsAg reactive. Before commencing the second cycle, 2 (10%) patients reported to hospital with fever and had hematological (low neutrophil count) and microbiological ( Escherichia coli ) proven febrile neutropenia. The incidence of HBV infection post treatment was lower in group treated with CHOP (1 patient showed HBsAg reactivity).