Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality among patients with cancer who received cytotoxic chemotherapy. To our knowledge, there are not satisfying available data in regard to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity ratios in solid cancer patients. Prevalence and reactivation rates of chronic HBV and HCV infections in gastrointestinal cancer patients were retrospectively investigated. Statistical significant relationship was detected for HBsAg positivity in gastric and esophageal cancers (5.67%) and rectum cancer (5.6%). Statistical significant relationship was not detected for HCV. Screenings for viral hepatitis is required in order to prevent treatment discontinuations.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, gastric cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer