Most patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the U.S. aren’t getting the treatment they need. A recent study in JAMA Network Open highlights how this gap in care can lead to severe health issues, including liver disease and a significant risk of cancer.
Despite available treatment options like oral nucleoside analogues, less than one-third of eligible patients are receiving care. These medications can’t cure HBV but help prevent serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Researchers examined data from the TriNetX Dataworks-USA Network, covering records of 75.2 million patients from various healthcare organizations. They focused on adults diagnosed with HBV from April 2016 to December 2022.
The study showed stark disparities in treatment based on age, gender, and race. Of nearly 15,000 individuals analyzed, only around 25% received treatment. Males were more likely to qualify and receive treatment than females. Moreover, Asian patients made up the largest group but showed the lowest treatment rates. For instance, only 12.6% of eligible Asian patients received care compared to 31.8% of White patients.
Older patients also had a better chance of receiving treatment. The findings confirm previous studies about treatment gaps within certain demographics while emphasizing the need for systemic change.
These gaps can have serious implications. For women of childbearing age, the lack of treatment raises concerns about the risk of mother-to-child transmission. The study points out the importance of addressing these issues before they lead to negative health outcomes.
Experts suggest enhancing education for healthcare providers about HBV management and treatment options. Improving clinician awareness can change the landscape for patients and might significantly reduce the public health crisis related to HBV.
Focusing on effective interventions and better clinician education is essential. The right knowledge and resources could empower healthcare providers to improve treatment rates and ultimately save lives.
In summary, the study sheds light on critical treatment gaps for HBV patients in the U.S. and calls for action to ensure everyone receives the care they need.
References
- Wong RJ, Telep LE, Wentworth CE, et al. Hepatitis B virus treatment gaps in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(11):e2542744.
- Polaris Observatory Collaborators. Global prevalence, cascade of care, and prophylaxis coverage of hepatitis B in 2022: a modelling study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;8(10):879-907.
- Topaloglu U, Palchuk MB. Using a federated network of real-world data to optimize clinical trials operations. JCO Clin Cancer Inform. 2018;2:1-10.
