Overview of treatment of hepatitis B: key approaches and clinical challenges

Semin Liver Dis. 2004:24 Suppl 1:23-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-828675.

Abstract

The development of nucleoside analogues has been a major advance in the treatment of hepatitis B; however, prolonged monotherapy is associated with drug resistance. Currently, no data in humans indicate that a combination of nucleoside analogues leads to enhanced efficacy. New nucleoside analogues with greater inhibitory effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication being developed could prove to be more effective or less likely to be associated with viral resistance. Interferon still has a role to play in the management of chronic HBV infection. Recent data indicate that the response to interferon may be determined in part by differences in genotype. From a theoretical perspective, a combination of pegylated interferon with one or more nucleosides could induce a higher rate of virological response. Additional studies are needed to further address these issues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Genotype
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Lamivudine / therapeutic use
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Lamivudine
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Adenine
  • peginterferon alfa-2a