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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + hepatitis

Testing for hepatitis B and C viruses is often standard before leukaemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A shield protecting the liver
Figure 1.A shield protecting the liver.

01Short answer

Some leukaemia treatments (especially antibodies such as rituximab and strong chemotherapy) weaken immunity and can "wake up" hidden hepatitis B. To prevent this, antiviral prevention may be prescribed. Hepatitis C is also taken into account when planning.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your infection doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Reactivation: when immunity is weak, hidden hepatitis B can multiply.

Prevention: the antiviral is prescribed by a doctor; do not stop it yourself.

04What happens in the body?

Hepatitis and leukaemia

People with hepatitis can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and hepatitis can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

B and C tests
Figure 2.B and C tests — Leukemia + hepatitis

Two teams together

When your haematologist and infection doctor share information, treatment is safer.

An antiviral medicine
Figure 3.An antiviral medicine.

05Treatment with hepatitis

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
JaundiceLiver inflammationContact your team now
Severe tiredness, no appetiteLiver inflammationTell your team
Antiviral running outGap in preventionAsk for a prescription early

07Key terms

Hepatitis B
A virus that damages the liver.
Reactivation
A hidden virus becoming active again.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Why test for hepatitis?

To prevent the virus reactivating.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Why test for hepatitis?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Hepatitis
  2. MedlinePlus. Hepatitis B
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018. Fertility Preservation in Patients With Cancer: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update
  5. National Cancer Institute. Immunotherapy Side Effects
  6. American Cancer Society. Typical Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Except APL)
  7. NHS. Chemotherapy
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Central venous catheters - ports
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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