Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Suppress Hepatitis C Virus Replication in Infected Patients With Solid Tumors

Authors

Marcel Yibirin
Khalis Mustafayev
Jeff Hosry
Pooja Pundhir
Joseph Klingen
Eduardo Yepez Guevara
Bruno P Granwehr
Ahmed Kaseb
Aung Naing
Sapna Patel
Amishi Y Shah
Ferdinandos Skoulidis
Hussein A Tawbi
Lan Wang
Ethan Miller
Hao Chi Zhang
Amado Zurita-Saavedra
Harrys A Torres

Publication Date

9-1-2023

Journal

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Data are scarce regarding the virologic impact and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We examined the virologic impact of ICI in HCV-infected patients with solid tumors and their safety.

Methods: HCV-infected patients with solid tumor treated with ICI at our institution between April 26, 2016, and January 5, 2022, were enrolled in a prospective observational study. The primary outcomes were ICI-induced changes in HCV viremia (HCV inhibition and HCV reactivation) and safety of ICI.

Results: We enrolled 52 consecutive patients with solid tumors treated with ICI. Most were men (41; 79%), White (31; 59%), without cirrhosis (34; 65%), and with HCV genotype 1 (40; 77%). Four patients (7.7%) experienced HCV inhibition while receiving ICI including 1 patient who developed undetectable viremia for 6 months in the absence of direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Two patients (4%) developed HCV reactivation, both while receiving immunosuppressive therapy for ICI-related toxic effects. Adverse events occurred in 36 patients (69%), and 39 of the 47 adverse events (83%) were grade 1-2. Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 8 patients (15%), and in all cases, they were related to ICI, not to HCV. No HCV-associated liver failure or death occurred.

Discussion: Inhibition of HCV replication with virologic cure can develop in patients receiving ICI without DAA. HCV reactivation occurs primarily in patients receiving immunosuppressants for ICI-related toxic effects. ICI are safe in HCV-infected patients with solid tumors. Chronic HCV infection should not be considered a contraindication for ICI therapy.

Keywords

Male, Humans, Female, Antiviral Agents, Hepatitis C, Chronic, Hepacivirus, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Viremia, Hepatitis C, Neoplasms, Virus Replication, Sustained Virologic Response

DOI

10.14309/ajg.0000000000002361

PMID

37307533

PMCID

PMC11809494

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-10-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Published Open-Access

yes