Therapie der chronischen Hepatitis C. [Therapy of chronic hepatitis C]

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Here, we will briefly review current and evolving therapies for chronic hepatitis C. Standard therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin achieves sustained virologic response rates of up to 40-50% in genotype 1- and about 80% in genotype 2- and 3-infected patients. Comprehensive management of chronic hepatitis C takes into account cofactors of disease progression. Novel antiviral strategies will likely complement existing therapeutic modalities in the near future