Effects of chronic hepatitis C infection on the treatment of breast cancer patients

Background: Although hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States, little information exists about treatment of breast cancer in the setting of chronic HCV. Patients and methods: The databases of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) Tumor Registry, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, and Department of Laboratory Medicine were cross-referenced for patients with breast cancer, who were also identified as having HCV. Eligible patients had a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, breast cancer treatment at MDACC, and a diagnosis of HCV. Results: During chemotherapy, 25% of patients experienced elevations in aminotransferases and 44% of patients required dose reductions/delays in chemotherapy. More than 60% of the patients who received chemotherapy demonstrated a grade 2 or greater complication. However, 92% of patients were able to complete the number of cycles specified in the initial chemotherapy plan. Conclusions: As the majority of these breast cancer patients completed the initial chemotherapy plan, this study indicates that breast cancer patients with HCV can be treated with cytotoxic therapy. Comparison with historical controls showed similar rates of hepatic toxicity in the presence (or absence) of HCV, indicating that incidence of transaminitis may not be significantly affected by HCV.