Efficacy and tolerability of Entecavir for hepatitis B virus infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) flare is a serious problem following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and the mortality rate is high if severe hepatitis occurs. CASE DESCRIPTION: Although Entecavir (ETV) is a standard antiviral drug for HBV infection, the efficacy and safety of ETV therapy in HSCT are still unclear. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION: To examine the efficacy and tolerability of ETV treatment in HSCT, we retrospectively identified 5 patients who received ETV for treatment of HBsAg carrier among patients undergoing HSCT in our institute. We reviewed their clinical information such as clinical course of serum HBV DNA levels, administration period and dose of ETV, and adverse events. There were no episodes of HBV flare or reactivation after HSCT in all patients during the observation period, as a 10-fold rise in HBV DNA levels or positive conversion of HBsAg were not observed. CONCLUSION: ETV monotherapy is effective and safe for HBsAg carrier patients following HSCT.