[Molecular virology and treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C]

Chronic hepatitis C remains the significant epidemiological and clinical problem. Its serious sequelae include cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. The only approved treatment of chronic hepatitis C are interferon (IFN) alfa-based regimens. Pegylated IFN alfa in combination with ribavirin has been proved to be the most effective therapy with sustained virological response rate of 72%, regardless of HCV genotype. Qualifying for antiviral therapy needs careful initial assessment, regarding of contraindications and certain conditions, and then close monitoring during treatment. Despite the significant progress in hepatitis C management currently available therapies are often ineffective and unsuitable for certain patient populations. The results of molecular researches on HCV biology give rise to the new therapeutic approaches to HCV therapy.