title: Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy.
abstract: We evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of three 40 micrograms doses of hepatitis B vaccine in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Of 76 patients screened for entry into the study, 13 (17%) already had been exposed to hepatitis B and were ineligible; 26 chose to join the study. The cumulative life-table response rate during the 12-month observation period was 70.8%; adequate immune response was linked to survival, 73% in survivors completing the study and 9% in nonsurvivors. Adverse effects were minor. We conclude that hepatitis B vaccine is safe and usually effective in inducing immunity in oncology patients younger than 60 years of age who are receiving chemotherapy.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Weitberg
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Weitzman
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hinkle
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Dienstag
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines