| [ Summary ] |
Progress in hepatology has been more rapid than in other areas of internal medicine. Clinical hepatology changed drastically after the discovery of HCV. With the development of DAAs (direct‒acting antivirals), the eradication rate for HCV will soon reach 95 % or more. However, HCV eradication is only a cure for HCV infection, not a cure for liver disease. The risk for HCC development is reduced to some extent but not to zero. Hepatitis B activity is now controlled by reverse‒transcriptase inhibitors. The prognosis for HCC has been greatly improved. However, NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), which was not recognized as a serious disease, is now becoming a significant threat to the world. Non‒B, non‒C HCC is now a major issue. When we conquer an intractable disease, new ones may appear. Medical battles will continue for the foreseeable future. |