Outcome of nucleos(t)ide analog cessation in patients with treatment for prevention of or against hepatitis B virus reactivation

Aim We retrospectively investigated patients with administration of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) for prevention of or against hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, and their clinical outcomes after cessation of the NA. Methods We enrolled 180 patients who were positive for HBsAg when they started immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy and an NA was administered to prevent HBV reactivation (HBV carrier group), and 82 patients with resolved HBV infection who started administration of an NA after HBV reactivation (de novo HBV group). Cessation of the NA depended on each physician's judgment without definite criteria. Results A total of 27 patients in the HBV carrier group and 22 in the de novo HBV group stopped NA therapy. In the HBV carrier group, 16 patients experienced virological relapse, which was defined as HBV DNA levels ≥20 IU/ml, and one with hematological disease had an alanine aminotransferase flare after cessation of NA. Of the 16 patients, the NA was reintroduced in three, whereas, the remaining 13 had low levels of HBV DNA and no alanine aminotransferase flare. In the de novo HBV group, virological relapse occurred in six patients, and one with hematological disease had an alanine aminotransferase flare after cessation of the NA. The NA was reintroduced in four of the six patients. Conclusions We may be able to consider to cease NA therapy proactively in HBV carriers and resolved patients with non‐hematological disease, if their primary diseases are under remission after completion of immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy. However, careful follow up is necessary after stopping NA therapy.