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REVIEW - Advancements in combination therapy of Hepatitis C virus
Muhammad Jahangeer1, Nighat Zia Ud Din1, Sana Karim1
1Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Insights
Direct-acting antiviral drugs have revolutionized Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, significantly improving sustained viral response rates. Current combination therapies offer a promising strategy for HCV eradication, though safety considerations remain important.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects over 185 million globally, causing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Treatment strategies for diverse HCV genotypes lack global consensus, necessitating ongoing research into effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compile data on historical and current therapeutic strategies for managing Hepatitis C virus infection.
- To focus on the latest combination therapies and their effectiveness in eradicating HCV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reference sources on HCV treatment.
- Analysis of diagnostic markers including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), viral load, and liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST).
Main Results:
- Antiviral efficacy has dramatically improved, with sustained viral response (SVR) rates increasing from 6% to over 95% with newer therapies.
- Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents have revolutionized HCV treatment, offering interferon-free oral options.
- Chronic HCV infection is associated with increased risks of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and complications in comorbid conditions.
Conclusions:
- Current combination therapies, particularly direct-acting antivirals, represent a significant advancement in controlling and potentially eradicating HCV infection.
- While highly effective, further consideration of safety concerns associated with current HCV therapies is warranted.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a primary cause of chronic liver disease along with various complications like liver cirrhosis and malignancy which leads to death. It has infected more than 185 million people worldwide. There is no congruence established for the treatment of various genotypes of HCV infection owing to diversity in prevalence globally. Assessment of affected individuals with HCV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), viral load of HCV and liver enzyme levels (i.e., ALT and AST) are the foundation to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HCV therapies. The antiviral efficacy has been greatly improved and sustained viral response (SVR) rates increased from 6% with interferon monotherapy to 50-80% with PEG-interferon/ribavirin combination therapy to >95% after the approval of all interferon free oral direct acting antiviral agents. The main objective of this review article is to compile data from reference sources regarding the old and current therapeutic strategies used to manage HCV infection. It is accepted that chronic HCV infection increases patient's thrombocytopenia and neutropenia risk and complications increased in co-morbid disorders like in tuberculosis, HIV, diabetes etc. In past treatment associated side effects were the major consequences and many patients have to stop the treatment. But after the approval of direct acting antiviral drugs create a revolution in the treatment of HCV infection. So, it could be concluded that current combination therapies are a promising hope to eradicate and to control HCV but some safety concerns required more considerations Therefore, this review focus on the available latest combination therapies and their effectiveness to eradicate HCV infection.
