[Management of chronic hepatitis C in 2016]

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A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
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A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

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C Moreno1, D Domngang2

  • 1Clinique d'Hépatologie, Service de Gastroentérologie, Hépatopancréatologie et Oncologie Digestive, Hôpital Erasme, Route de Lennik 808, Bruxelles, Belgium.

Revue Medicale De Bruxelles
|May 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection requires fibrosis evaluation for all patients. New direct-acting antiviral therapies offer high viral eradication rates and improved tolerance, revolutionizing treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health challenge, with a substantial percentage of infected individuals progressing to cirrhosis over time.
  • Accurate staging of liver fibrosis is crucial for all HCV patients, irrespective of serum transaminase levels.
  • Non-invasive methods, including serum markers and transient elastography (FibroScan), are vital for assessing liver fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of fibrosis evaluation in chronic hepatitis C.
  • To discuss the advancements in antiviral therapies for hepatitis C.
  • To address the current and future landscape of hepatitis C treatment access in Belgium.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current diagnostic approaches for liver fibrosis in hepatitis C.
  • Analysis of the efficacy and tolerability of novel direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments.
  • Examination of treatment reimbursement policies and their impact on patient access in Belgium.

Main Results:

  • Direct-acting antiviral therapies demonstrate high rates (>90%) of viral eradication and are well-tolerated.
  • Current Belgian reimbursement criteria for DAAs are restricted to patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
  • Anticipated changes in reimbursement policies are expected to broaden access to these revolutionary treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C viral elimination is achievable within 15 years in Belgium with enhanced screening and therapy access.
  • The advent of direct-acting antivirals represents a paradigm shift in managing chronic hepatitis C.
  • Optimizing screening strategies and ensuring equitable access to new therapies are paramount for public health goals.

Keywords:
Chronic hepatitis CDirect acting antiviralSustained virological responseViral eradication

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