Tenofovir alafenamide after switching from entecavir or nucleos(t)ide combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Background and Aims Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has been newly approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to assess the effectiveness and renal safety of switching from entecavir (ETV) or nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) combination therapy to TAF. Methods This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study included 313 consecutive CHB patients who switched to TAF monotherapy after treatment with ETV or a nucleoside‐nucleotide analog (NA) combination for over two years. Virological/laboratory responses were evaluated for the 48 weeks after switchover. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)2. Differences in longitudinal parameters were compared by the generalized estimating equation method. Results In the prior ETV group (n=191), the HBV DNA suppression rate at week 48 was significantly increased, from 75.9% to 96.9% (P2/48weeks; P=0.001). Conclusions Switching from ETV or an NA combination to TAF was effective for HBV suppression and continued HBsAg reduction. Moreover, the renal glomerular function of patients in the prior NA combination group with CKD was significantly improved compared to those with non‐CKD.