1478-3231/asset/LIV_left.gif?v=1&s=85fae709761c931e1b1f055c02ebb481958f0f73)
Impact of hepatitis B therapy on the long-term outcome of liver disease
Article first published online: 4 JAN 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02388.x
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Issue
Liver International
Special Issue: Proceedings of the 4th Paris Hepatitis Conference. The publication of this supplement was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from F. Hoffmann-Laroche Ltd.
Volume 31, Issue Supplement s1, pages 117–121, January 2011
Additional Information
How to Cite
Liaw, Y.-F. (2011), Impact of hepatitis B therapy on the long-term outcome of liver disease. Liver International, 31: 117–121. doi: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02388.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 JAN 2011
- Article first published online: 4 JAN 2011
- Received 24 August 2010Accepted 26 November 2010
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- cirrhosis;
- drug resistance;
- hepatic decompensation;
- hepatocellular carcinoma;
- interferon-α;
- natural history;
- nucleos(t)ide analogues;
- pegylated interferon
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a dynamic series of interactions between HBV, hepatocytes and the patient's immune system. HBV replication is the key motor of disease progression, including the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV elimination or suppression can reduce the risk of or slow the progression of liver disease. Studies have shown that a finite course of conventional interferon-α (IFN) therapy provides long-term benefit for achieving a cumulative response as well as reducing the progression of fibrosis and the development of cirrhosis and/or HCC. Long-term therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) may also improve fibrosis or reverse advanced fibrosis as well as reduce disease progression and the development of HCC. The problems associated with drug resistance can be overcome by the timely use of rescue NUCs without cross-resistance. The outcome with pegylated IFN (PEG-IFN) and newer NUCs may be even better because of more effective treatment and/or a low risk of resistance. However, the treatment outcomes still need to be improved, and more effective, safe and affordable anti-HBV agents/strategies are needed.