| Theme | Interferon Therapy for Viral Hepatitis : an Update Reference | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Prolonged Interferon Treatment for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C | |
| Publish Date | 2007/04 | |
| Author | Yoshiaki Katano | Department of Gastroenterology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author | Kentaro Yoshioka | Division of Liver and Biliary Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University |
| [ Summary ] | The purpose of treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C is to reducie the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and improve overall prognosis. At present, in Japan, a combination of pegylated interferon (IFN) α 2 b plus ribavirin is recommended as the standard treatment for those with chronic hepatitis C. However, patients such as the elderly, those with high blood pressure of diabetes, or younger patients hoping to become pregnant seem to be poor candidates for the addition of ribavirin to IFN. Those patients may be considered for prolonged IFN monotherapy aimed at sustained virologic response. On the other hand, for patients where it is difficult to eradicate HCV, it is necessary to consider prolonged low dose IFN monotherapy to avoid the development of HCC. | |