Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C: our experience
V Brinovec1, G Lesnicar, J Meglic-Volkar
1Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Infectious Diseases, Ljubljana, Slovenia. andreja.sorman@kclj.si
Insights
Combined therapy for chronic hepatitis C is more effective than monotherapy. However, this treatment for hepatitis C still requires further improvement for optimal patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C treatment remains suboptimal.
- Interferon alpha/ribavirin combination therapy shows superior efficacy compared to interferon alpha monotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the therapeutic efficacy of interferon alpha/ribavirin combination therapy versus interferon alpha monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- To evaluate adverse effects associated with both treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 143 patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- Eighty patients received 18-month monotherapy with a 3-month follow-up.
- Sixty-three patients received 12-month combined therapy with a 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Complete response rates were 49.2% for monotherapy and 54.5% for combined therapy initially.
- Follow-up response rates decreased to 27.5% (monotherapy) and 43.2% (combined therapy).
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 showed significant response to monotherapy (p=0.01); age and HCV subtype 1b influenced combined therapy response (p=0.0047, p=0.012).
Conclusions:
- Combined therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C.
- Despite improved efficacy, current treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C are not yet fully satisfactory.
Background/Aims:
While an optimal treatment of chronic hepatitis C has not yet been established, it has been demonstrated that the interferon alpha/ribavirin combination is more effective than interferon alpha monotherapy.
Methodology:
One hundred and forty-three patients with chronic hepatitis C received the following treatment: eighty patients an 18-month monotherapy (3-month follow-up) and sixty-three patients a 12-month combined therapy (6-month follow-up). Therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects were compared.
Results:
In 80 patients in the monotherapy group, complete response was achieved in 49.2%. This was reduced to 27.5% three months after therapy. Significant differences were observed in HCV 3 genotype where complete response was achieved in 12 out of 14 patients (p=0.01). With the combined therapy administered to 63 patients, complete response was achieved in 54.5%. This was reduced to 43.2% after 6 months of follow-up. Among the responders or partial responders, significant differences were observed with regard to age (p=0.0047) and subtype 1b (p=0.012). Comparing the groups of naive patients and relapsers, a statistically significant difference (p=0.027) was found in therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
In the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, combined therapy proved more effective than monotherapy. This is, however, not yet a satisfactory solution.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction