| Theme |
Interferon Therapy for Viral Hepatitis : an Update Reference |
| Title |
Long Term Prognosis of Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B |
| Author |
Shinya Nagaoka |
Clinical Research Center, National Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Hiroshi Yatsuhashi |
Clinical Research Center, National Nagasaki Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Three nucleos (t) ide analogues and conventional interferon (IFN) are available as therapy for chronic hepatitis B in Japan. A finite treatment course with IFN results in sustained response in about 20 - 30 % patients, while nucleos (t) ide analogues generally require indefinite therapy because of the high rate of relapse on withdrawal. On the other hand, studies from foreign countries have reported the superior efficacy of PEG-IFN in chronic hepatitis B treatment. Data on the long term outcome of IFN treatment for chronic hepatitis B is limited, so it is hard to reach a general consensus on treatment. Studies in Europe and the United States report that rates of HBsAg seroconversion increased during prolonged follow up on virological responders. Reports from Asia indicate IFN therapy reduced the incidence of HCC, and prolonged survival. |