Retreatment of chronic hepatitis C in previous non-responders and relapsers

Abstract

Therapy for chronic hepatitis C has improved dramatically over the past 20 years. Unfortunately, ∼ 50% of those treated do not have a durable response to therapy. Non-responders and relapsers after previous interferon-based therapy are particularly challenging with regard to clinical management. This article provides a general overview of the treatment of hepatitis C and reviews present data regarding management of patients with chronic hepatitis C who are non-responders or relapsers after previous treatment. The review ends with the authors' opinion regarding present management of non-responders and relapsers and future emerging therapies.

Keywords::

• hepatitis C
• interferon
• non-responder
• peginterferon
• relapse
• ribavirin

Disclosure

D Jensen has grant support from Roche, Vertex, GlobeImmune and Valeant. He is a consultant for Roche, GlobeImmune, Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbott and Pharmasset.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Lucy Elam for her help in editing the final draft.

Notes