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Introduction- Viral hepatitis is a major problem worldwide and commonly affects patients with cancer; the prevalence of chronic hepatitis infection in cancer patients ranges from 1.5% to 32% for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is 0.6% for hepatitis B virus (HBV). In these patients, viral hepatitis must be managed in the context of cancer care, and education and guidance for providers are essential to provide the best treatment approach. We are pleased to announce that virtual education in treating patients with cancer and viral hepatitis will be offered through ECHO clinics, encompassing infections caused by HBV, HCV, hepatitis D virus (HDV), or hepatitis E virus. The International Viral Hepatitis ECHO clinic will allow local providers to develop increased independence, skills, and self-efficacy when treating cancer patients with viral hepatitis.

What is MD Anderson's Goal with Project ECHO?- To educate providers across the United States and other countries on the management of cancer patients with viral hepatitis and to decrease the number of liver-related complications and deaths from preventable cancers related to viral hepatitis (especially HBV and HCV). Via a telementoring platform, our project aims to increase the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver evidence-based diagnostic and treatment services for viral hepatitis in patients with cancer. It is expected that these providers will be local experts in viral hepatitis in their geographical area and that some of them could serve as future educators in their region. 

How can we achieve this?- These interactive virtual sessions will consist of case-based learning, where the providers from the local centers present de-identified patient data and the specialists from MD Anderson Cancer Center and other sites share their expertise, providing guidance and feedback regarding diagnosis and management. 

What is needed of you?- The ECHO project is free of cost for you. There will be a monthly 1-hour Zoom meeting, and you will need to present 1-2 cases per year of cancer patients with viral hepatitis from your local practice, with no more than 45 minutes per case. A general template will be provided. The monthly virtual clinics will take place on the last Tuesday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m. (Central Daylight Time).