Introduction of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV Screening for Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in a District General Hospital in London: Uptake and Outcomes

Purpose: Viral hepatitis can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients receiving chemotherapy. London cancer guidelines recommend universal pretreatment screening for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). HIV-infected patients are at higher risk of developing AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining cancers. HIV testing for all oncology patients has been recommended. Studies reveal up to 30% of breast cancer patients may have undiagnosed diabetes [1]. Oncology patients with diabetes have an increased risk of complications: chemotherapy toxicities, steroid-induced hyperglycaemia and sepsis.
Source: Clinical Oncology - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research