A review of current anti-HCV treatment regimens and possible future strategies

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a serious health problem worldwide. The current standard treatment of HCV infection is pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin, but this is clearly not sufficiently effective and tolerable. Objective: To review current HCV treatment strategies and future options. Methods: Review of major clinical trials or observational studies when no trial is available. Results/conclusion: Rates of sustained virologic response are widely variable, approximately 40 – 80%, depending on genotype, and even lower when HIV coinfection occurs. New agents, like small molecules that specifically target the HCV life cycle, may improve response rates; but safety is a concern.

Keywords::

• boceprevir
• hepatitis C therapy
• HCV life cycle inhibitors
• HIV infection
• immunomodulation
• interferon
• pegylated interferon
• protease inhibitors
• re-treatment
• ribavirin
• RNA polymerase inhibitors
• telaprevir
• treatment strategy
• viral response

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de SIDA from Spain for their support (ISCIII-RETIC RD06/006).

Notes