Abstract
Interferon-alfa is used for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis. The best results for HCV are obtained with pegylated interferon-alpha in combination with the antiviral drug ribavirin. Sustained response (cure) is obtained in 40% (genotype 1) to 85% (genotype 2 or 3) of treated patients. Interferon-alpha has many side effects, and the selection of patients for treatment should be made taking into consideration the individual prognosis and relative and absolute contraindications. New biologics are in clinical development.
MeSH terms
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
-
Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
-
Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
-
Drug Therapy, Combination
-
Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
-
Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
-
Humans
-
Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
-
Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
-
Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
-
Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
-
Ribavirin / adverse effects
-
Ribavirin / therapeutic use
-
Treatment Outcome
Substances
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal
-
Antiviral Agents
-
Immunologic Factors
-
Interferon-alpha
-
Ribavirin