| [ Summary ] |
The aims of treatment for chronic hepatitis B are to achieve sustained suppression of HBV replication and remission of liver disease. The response rate of IFN as well as nucleoside analogs (NAs) is not satisfactory at this time. While IFN produces many side effects, the development of resistance in NAs precludes long-term use. Celluar immune responses to HBV in hosts play important roles in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B. Vaccine therapy exhibits potent immune modulatory potential but possesses little antiviral capacity. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of weekly administration of vaccine, 'Intensive Vaccine Therapy', for patients with chronic hepatitis B. |