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• Hepatitis B Foundation releases white paper calling health care providers into action following new hepatitis B screening and vaccination recommendations

  Addressing the new CDC guidance, the paper is titled, “Call to Action: Eliminating Hepatitis B Virus through Universal Screening and Vaccination for Adults Ages 19-59.” Doylestown, Pa., March 15, 2023 – After the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week released new guidance for hepatitis B screening, adding to updated recommendations on vaccination that the CDC put out last spring, the Hepatitis B Foundation sprang into action. The Foundation has produced a white paper with guidance on how health care providers in the U.S. can begin implementing these new universal hepatitis B screening and vaccination (for adults ages 19-59) guidelines. Aligning and implementing these new recommendations will require a concerted national effort with collaboration among numerous stakeholders, such as medical societies, which is why the white paper was developed. The Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccine Advisory Council, which was convened in April 2022 by the Hepatitis B Foundation, developed the white paper. The advisory council’s mission is to improve adult hepatitis B vaccination and screening rates by helping providers successfully implement the new vaccination and screening guidelines in their practice.  Advisory council members included federal agencies, national medical societies, community health centers, public health organizations, health department representation and leading hepatitis B experts. The advisory council identified key barriers to hepatitis B screening and vaccination in various settings and formulated strategies to optimize the implementation of the new recommendations.  This resource serves as a call to action for providers. It summarizes the key challenges to universal screening and vaccination and suggests potential strategies to optimize the implementation. The paper makes clear that it is imperative we have urgent action in three key areas: educating stakeholders, exploring multi-stakeholder collaborations and technology innovations, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The white paper is intended to be a resource for all providers, as various health care settings will require different strategies for successful implementation. In addition to challenges and implementation strategies for universal screening and vaccination, the white paper includes best practices from groups who have begun implementation and resources for providers to access tools in hepatitis B prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment.  The CDC’s Advisory Council on Immunization Practices recommended the updated vaccination guidelines in November 2021. Universal hepatitis B screening guidelines were recommendation by CDC in March 2023. About Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Each year up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B worldwide, even though it is preventable and treatable. Hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly or chronically infected. Thus, they can unknowingly infect others and continue the spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their livers are still being silently damaged, which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: We are the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Founded in 1991, the Hepatitis B Foundation is based in Doylestown, Pa., with offices in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@hepbfoundation) or call us at 215-489-4900. To donate, contact Jean Holmes at 215-489-4900 or jean.holmes@hepb.org.

  https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/hepatitis-b-foundation-provides/
• Dr. Yasmin Ibrahim appointed to national Patient Engagement Collaborative

  The panel advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as to engaging patients in medical product regulation. Doylestown, Pa. – Jan. 11, 2022 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI) has announced eight newly selected representatives for the Patient Engagement Collaborative, including Yasmin Ibrahim, MD, PhD, MBA, of the Hepatitis B Foundation. According to the CTTI, “The group of 16 patients, caregivers, and patient group representatives will meet with the FDA several times a year to discuss topics such as communication, transparency, and the best ways for patients to engage the FDA about medical product regulation.” The eight new representatives, who are expected to serve two-year terms, are: Kim Hindery, Yasmin Ibrahim of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Seth Morgan, Cara O’Neill, Ceciel Rooker, Christina Sisti, Trina Stelly and Lauren Youngborg. Yasmin Ibrahim, MD, PhD, MBA, of the Hepatitis B Foundation Dr. Ibrahim is the Hepatitis B Foundation’s senior program manager for public health. “Yasmin provides strong leadership for the Foundation’s efforts to engage patients in our work and is passionate about incorporating the voices of people living with hepatitis B in everything we do,” Chari A. Cohen, DrPH, MPH, president of the Hepatitis B Foundation said. “It’s a true testament to her efforts that she is being recognized by the FDA and the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative as a consistent advocate and partner of people living with hepatitis B.” Read more about the Patient Engagement Collaborative here.

  https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/dr-yasmin-ibrahim-appointed-to-national-patient-engagement-collaborative/
• Importance of Hepatitis B Screening

  Importance of Hepatitis B Screening: The majority of respondents found out about their hepatitis B by coincidence, indicating the importance of screening and early diagnosis. Findings: 56% were tested as part of routine testing (blood donation, pre-marital, or pre- employment). 15% were tested because they were either having symptoms. 8% were tested because a family member was diagnosed. 15% were tested because their doctor recommended it. One participant said “You know I'm a relatively healthy person in terms of you know other things. And how did [I] get [hepatitis B], [I] always feel confused and I’m always wondering, I'm a scientist, I want to know why did this happen?” Take action: Please know that: Hepatitis B is one of the most common viruses worldwide. Hepatitis B can be a silent infection, and everyone should be tested. Encourage your friends and family to get tested for hepatitis B. Early diagnosis is key to a long, healthy life! Share your hepatitis B story. Personal stories are the best way to improve awareness and promote testing for hepatitis B.

  https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/patient-facing-infographics/importance-of-hepatitis-b-screening/
• Hepatitis B Foundation Expands Hepatitis B Prevention Policy Initiatives

  Doylestown, Pa., May 6, 2020 – The Hepatitis B Foundation has launched a new Hepatitis B Prevention Policy Program aimed at increasing adult hepatitis B vaccination rates in the U.S. The program will build and expand the Foundation’s policy and advocacy initiatives and increase engagement with federal and state public health agency partners to improve hepatitis B prevention and vaccination infrastructure and strategies. The program also will expand the Foundation’s engagement with Members of Congress. In the U.S., more than 2 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B and many more are at risk for becoming infected with this virus, which is a leading cause of liver cancer and deaths worldwide. Despite the tools available to prevent and eliminate hepatitis B, including safe and effective hepatitis B vaccines, only about 25% of adults in the U.S. have been vaccinated. The new program’s objectives are to: Foster public discussion about hepatitis B to improve awareness and knowledge about transmission and prevention, reduce hepatitis B‐related stigma and promote hepatitis B vaccination at all levels (community, health system, etc.). Engage with public health leaders, professional associations, clinical partners, patients and high‐risk communities to promote effective hepatitis B prevention and vaccination strategies and implement policies and programs to improve adult hepatitis B vaccination coverage rates. Expand grassroots advocacy efforts and engage hepatitis B patients and state-level advocates and provide training and education. Develop sustainable systems for improving hepatitis B prevention through public policy focused on grassroots engagement and collaboration with federal and state public health leaders. The new program’s manager will be Michaela Jackson, who has been on the Hepatitis B Foundation’s public health team since 2018. Since her promotion, Jackson has been leading policy development and research into federal and state hepatitis B prevention, including vaccine-related policies and programs. A Philadelphia resident, Jackson earned a Master of Science degree in science communication from Drexel University in 2018. Since then she has been coordinating the Hepatitis B Foundation’s coalition in Philadelphia, including raising awareness and increasing hepatitis B testing within the city's high-risk communities and supporting state policy development and advocacy efforts to promote a Pennsylvania viral hepatitis elimination plan.

  https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/httpshepatitis-b-foundation-expands-hepatitis-b-prevention-policy-initiatives/
• Why Give the Hepatitis B Vaccine to Infants?

  The CDC recommends a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine for all babies. Pediatrician, Dr. Allison Shuman explains why in this informative video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MG0D--FBKik If you live in a part of the world where chronic HBV is at a medium (2-7% of population) or high prevalence rate (greater than 8% of population), your child is especially susceptible and at-risk for hepatitis B, with HBV transmission often occurring vertically from mother to child at birth, and horizontally from an HBV infected adult or another child's infected body fluids to an unvaccinated baby or child. Please be sure that pregnant women are screened for hepatitis B. If mom tests positive for HBV, be sure baby receives a birth dose of the HBV vaccine and a shot of HBIG within 12 hours of birth. If mom tests negative for HBV, be sure that baby receives a birth dose of the HBV vaccine before leaving the hospital. Both babies of HBV infected and uninfected mom's should receives shots 2 and 3 of the series according to schedule. Babies of infected mom's should be tested at 18 months to be sure baby is hepatitis B free. Please make arrangements with your doctor and the hospital to receive the HBV vaccine for your baby, prior to delivery, so you are sure the vaccine and/or HBIG are available at the hospital so prophylaxis can be given within 12 hours of birth. Please feel free to print and distribute  Chronic Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: Screening, Evaluation and Management (Part I and Part II) to your doctor.  

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/why-give-the-hepatitis-b-vaccine-to-infants/
• Diagnosed with Chronic Hepatitis B? What do the HBe Blood Tests Mean?

  Your liver specialist has informed you that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection, and that he wants to run additional blood work so he can learn more about your HBV. Some of this blood work may need to be repeated over a period of time, but over the next 6 months or so, your doctor will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for treatment.  Regardless, he will definitely want to continue monitoring. Remember, treatment is important, but rarely an emergency, so be patient. Now you need additional lab work to determine your HBe status, which will tell you whether or not you are HBeAg and HBeAb (anti-HBe) negative or positive. This reveals a great deal about your HBV such as whether or not the virus is replicating, and how infectious you are to others. At this point, it is helpful to have a little background on antigens and antibodies.  An antigen is a foreign substance in your body that evokes an immune response. This may include viruses, bacteria or other environmental agents such as pollen or a chemical. In this case, it is the HBV e antigen. Your previous hepatitis B panel tested for the surface antigen, or HBsAg. Antibodies are produced as a result of an immune system response to antigens. These antigen/antibody pairings are unique. An antibody response can be generated as a result of an immune response to an actual infection, or as a result of vaccination.  An uninfected person vaccinated against hepatitis B will generate an immune response, or surface antibody (HBsAb, or anti-HBs) to the HBV vaccine. The hepatitis e antigen, or HBeAg, is a marker of an actively replicating HBV virus infection. Those with a positive HBeAg have active replication in their liver cells, more of the virus circulating in their blood, and as a result, they are more infectious, with a higher likelihood of transmitting HBV to others.  Most often, when a person is HBeAg positive, they tend to be HBeAb negative and vice-versa. This active, replicating phase may go on for

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/diagnosed-with-chronic-hepatitis-b-what-do-the-hbe-blood-tests-mean/
• May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

  May is Hepatitis Awareness Month! What are you or your organization doing to help educate and raise HBV awareness in your community? Will you be holding viral hepatitis screening events, or other events? The CDC has launched the “Know More Hepatitis Campaign”, which is an educational initiative striving to educate the public about viral hepatitis and encourage screening. They have designated May 19th as the first Hepatitis Testing Day. Organizations around the country will be providing viral hepatitis screening. Many will be focusing on at-risk populations. This is a great opportunity to get tested to be sure of your HBV or HCV status. Talk to the members of the organizations running the screening to learn more about these diseases, and what you can do to get involved.  Don’t forget to register your viral hepatitis screening event with the CDC, or check out screening events in your area. The Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United Philadelphia have a couple of big activities planned for Hepatitis Awareness Month. On Friday, May 18th, we will be having our “B A Hero” Photo Flash mob event in Love Park in downtown Philadelphia. Everyone is excited about the event.  Some of the students have created a Hep B Rap video to get everyone psyched for the event! We also have some fabulous guests slated to make an appearance. If you’re downtown that day be sure to join us! If you’re nowhere near Philly, consider organizing your own Flash Mob! Its lots of fun and a great opportunity to raise HBV awareness with a splash! Hep B United Philadelphia will also be offering free HBV screening at the Asian Festival on Saturday, May 19th from 12pm-3pm at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Asian Pacific Heritage Festival, at Franklin Square Park in Philly.  Folks that are screened will get a free Hepatitis B tote bag and will be entered into a raffle to win a free Kindle! Counseling will be available in Chinese, English and Korean. Educational literature will be available in

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/may-is-hepatitis-awareness-month/
• Hep B Parents: 10 Reasons You Should Get Yourself to Philly

  Attention parents of children living with Hepatitis B. Please join the Hepatitis B Foundation for it's "2012 B Informed Parent Conference", Saturday May 19th in Philadelphia. It's going to be an incredible program filled with expert, pediatric guest speakers. It's also a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet face-to-face to talk about raising kids with HBV.  Think about it, clear your schedule, register, and join us for the day. And if that isn't enough, here are 10 Reasons You Should Get Yourself to Philly, expressed by Eileen, a good friend of HBF… 1. The “B Informed” Conference for parents of children with Hepatitis B happens just once a year. You do not want to miss this. 2. You will get answers. No matter where your child is on the spectrum, I know you’ve got questions. You’re going to get those questions answered. This isn’t a doctor’s appointment, there isn’t a waiting room full of patients, the doctor’s hand isn’t already on the doorknob. Ask all the questions you want to ask and ask until the lightbulb turns on and you get it. You’ll go home a more confident, better informed advocate for your child. Read more...

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/hep-b-parents-10-reasons-you-should-get-yourself-to-philly/
• Statins May Prevent Liver Cancer For Those With HBV

  Good news for those with chronic hepatitis B that are taking cholesterol-lowering statins.  Results published in Jan. 23 Journal of Clinical Oncology show statins may actually lower the risk of liver cancer for those living with chronic HBV in a dose dependent manner. The study monitored 33,413 hepatitis B patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between 1997 and 2008 and tracked the number of HCC cases since 1999. These are important findings because chronic hepatitis B significantly increases the risk of liver cancer, which causes 80% of primary liver cancers (HCC) worldwide. In the U.S., HCC is the second deadliest cancer with a five year survival rate of less than 10%. Those with chronic HBV are 100 times more likely to develop liver cancer than those without HBV. There are a number of contributing risk factors such as age, gender, ethnic background, family history, smoking history, and extent of liver damage. Despite the known risks, it is impossible to predict without regular liver cancer screening.  Be sure to discuss the guidelines for liver cancer screening with your doctor, as there are specific risk factors that may make monitoring sooner and more frequent, important.  Make liver cancer screening part of your bi-annual or annual monitoring of your HBV and liver health. So, how do statins reduce the risk of liver cancer for those with Chronic HBV?  The mechanism has not been determined and will require further study.  Statins may reduce the risk of HCC, but it is important to carefully discuss the use of statins with your liver specialist and other treating physicians. Monitoring of your liver enzymes while taking statins is important for those without HBV, but it is even more critical if you have HBV.  Start with a baseline of your liver enzymes (ALT/AST) before beginning statin use, followed by testing at 6 and 12 week intervals.  You want to ensure your ALT/AST levels do not increase by more than three times the upper limits of normal.  Any

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/statins-may-prevent-liver-cancer-for-those-living-with-hbv/
• Welcome to our Liver Cancer Connect Program

    Find Clinical Trials Near Me! Check out this video with a liver cancer survivor on Closing the Care Gap! [embed width="483" height="273" class="leftAlone" thumbnail="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W184RAyXHpU/hqdefault.jpg?r"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W184RAyXHpU[/embed] This panel discussion features someone with lived experience of liver cancer and his wife in conversation with researchers and patient advocates. The discussion highlights what is missing in order to improve the lives of people diagnosed with HCC. Check it out today! [embed width="497" height="373" class="leftAlone" thumbnail="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2sumSuuMc6Q/hqdefault.jpg?r"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sumSuuMc6Q&t=2s[/embed] Watch our latest webinar! In it, panelists discuss conclusions & insights from a recent project to identify & close disparities in hepatitis B & liver cancer knowledge and screening rates among highly impacted communities around the US. Check it out today! Check out a special episode from the 2022 HBV Meeting in Paris!  Ed Tate, Director of Communications and Marketing at the Hepatitis B Foundation was able to interview Dr. Mathias Heikenwalder to talk about updates on liver cancer research. Liver Cancer Connect is a dedicated program of the Hepatitis B Foundation that was created to provide individuals and families with the information and support they need when facing the challenge of primary liver cancer. Although this is a serious diagnosis, there is good reason to have hope because of the many advances made in the early detection, management and treatment of liver cancer. In the News BAIAP2L2 is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker Related to Migration and Invasion of HCC and Associated with Cuprotosis Advancing the Care of Advanced HCC – A Hepatologist’s Perspective After FDA rejection, Gilead's Hepcludex looks set for full EU nod Evidence Grows for Avoiding Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Novel Use of Artificial Intelligence Shows Promise to Improve HCC Detection Molecular and Clinical Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with HBV-HDV Infection Genentech’s Tecentriq Plus Avastin Reduced the Risk of Cancer Returning in People With Certain Types of Adjuvant Liver Cancer in a Phase III Study Generic Drugs in Oncology (Recent Lancet article)  A Novel Online Calculator Based on Serum Biomarkers to Detect Hepatocellular Carcinoma among Patients with Hepatitis B New 3D ultrasound may improve accuracy of liver cancer treatment 4 Liver Cancer Treatment Advances The Cancer Experience Registry is an online survey that allows people facing cancer to share their experiences, identify the issues that impact their life, and help them understand their experiences. Minimally-invasive surgical options for liver cancer and liver tumors, and other options from the multidisciplinary team from Johns Hopkins (Video) Review of insights into the success and failure of systemic therapy for liver cancer REACH-B Score for Hepatocellular Carcinoma About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products (from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) Pan Tumor Clinical Trial Is Actively Recruiting to Investigate the Effects of Nivolumab When Given Under the Skin With or Without rHuPH20. Learn more!  FDA approves a combination of the immunotherapy drugs durvalumab (Imfinzi®) plus the experimental drug tremelimumab for people with unresectable hepatocellular cancer, the most common type of liver cancer AstraZeneca’s immunotherapy tremelimumab has secured its first FDA approval and is to be sold under the brand name Imjudo Antiviral therapy improves survival among elderly patients after hepatectomy for hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Cabozantinib plus atezolizumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and the role of adjuvant antiviral therapy Case 3: Novel Frontline Combination Strategies for Unresectable HCC (Video) Assessing the Risk of HCC for Hepatitis B Treatments Study Uncovers New Treatment Approaches for Liver Cancer Patients NUS Scientists Discover New Clues to Liver Cancer Progression What Gastroenterologists Need to Know About New Guidelines on Systemic HCC Therapy Bringing Early Cancer Detection to the Masses Researchers Identify a New tsRNA in Blood to Improve Liver Cancer Diagnosis New strategies and the partnerships needed to bring early detection of cancer to everyone Importance of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus: Patient and physician sharing session, a podcast with Ming-Lung Yu, MD, PhD The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) issues clinical guidelines on the use of radiation therapy to treat adult patients with primary liver cancers using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Dr. Gish talks about the importance of liver cancer surveillance and the blood work and imaging involved in regular monitoring - all in less than 2 minutes (Video) Listen to this episode of B Heppy with Dr. Rothstein about the relationship between liver cancer & hep B (Podcast) National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) releases an update to its guideline for hepatobiliary cancers NCCN Guidelines for Patients Liver Cancer Immunotherapy for advanced HCC: Experts answer clinician questions Current and Future Immunotherapy Approaches for HCC: Evidence, Guidance, and Resources (Podcast) Insights into the success and failure of systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma What Cancer Survivors Should Know About Their Mental Health EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Get Connected

  https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/liver/