Therapy of chronic hepatitis B: new goals and new treatments

Minerva Med. 2009 Dec;100(6):447-58.

Abstract

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B has shown a rapid development in the last years leading to a shift of treatment strategies from interferon to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-polymerase inhibitors. In particular, treatment with HBV-polymerase inhibitors has changed the indication on how to treat a patient and when to stop therapy. Long-term treatment with HBV-polymerase inhibitors may often be required, even if it raises the possibility of resistance and subsequent treatment failure. This review provides a strategy on how to manage HBV therapy with the currently available treatment options.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance, Viral*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Gene Products, pol / antagonists & inhibitors
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / drug effects
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Interferons / therapeutic use
  • Lamivudine / therapeutic use
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Gene Products, pol
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens
  • P protein, Hepatitis B virus
  • Lamivudine
  • Interferons