Chronic hepatitis C: treatments of the future.

The launch of first-generation protease inhibitors (PIs) was a major step forward in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. However, this major advance has, up to now, only been applicable to genotype-1 patients. Second-wave and second-generation PIs appear to achieve higher antiviral potency, with pan-genotype activities, fewer side-effects and potential activity against PI-resistant mutation by second-generation PIs, through more convenient daily administration.

Future treatment of patients with HCV cirrhosis.

Of all hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, those with cirrhosis are most in need of treatment because of increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment with pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) (PR) has definitely shown the benefits of successful treatment by improving fibrosis, causing the regression of cirrhosis and reducing and preventing cirrhosis-related complications. However, the sustained virological response (SVR) is lower in patients with cirrhosis.

[Treatment of hepatitis C].

Hepatitis C treatment has made a lot of progress in the last two decades. Treatment with pegylated interferon and ribarin is associated with sustained virological response in more than 50% of patients. This improvement is due in one part to the adaptation of treatment dose and duration according to genotype, liver fibrosis and response-guided therapy, fibrosis in another part to a better pretreatment management of co-morbidities and a better prevention and management of side effects.