[New therapeutic possibilities in chronic hepatitis C]

This article briefly reviews the results of antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon-alpha. Its relation to the natural course of the illness is discussed. Interferon monotherapy achieves definitive viral elimination in a small minority of patients only. The therapeutic response rate can be enhanced by combining interferon-alpha with ribavirin as well as by increasing interferon dosage or prolonging treatment. A number of questions remain unanswered with regard to the optimal treatment modality and cost-effectiveness. Thus the current recommendation is to treat suitable patients within the frame of controlled studies.