Combination therapy of interferon and nucleotide/nucleoside analogues for chronic hepatitis B. Issue 12 (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wong, G. L.‐H.; Wong, V. W.‐S.; Chan, H. L.‐Y.
• Is Part Of: Journal of viral hepatitis. Volume 21:Issue 12(2014)
• Page Start: 825
• Page End: 834
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Hepatitis, Viral -- Periodicals; Hepatitis, Viral, Animal; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; 616.3623
• DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12341
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-0504

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jvh12341-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p>Chronic hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma globally. At present, seven drugs, including two interferons and five oral nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), have been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Interferon works by immunomodulation, but is successful in less than a third of treated patients and is a relatively weak antiviral. NAs directly suppress the hepatitis B virus but have limited durability. Based on current data, combination of NA and interferon results in greater viral suppression but does not translate to off‐treatment sustained response. Concomitant or sequential treatment also does not make a difference. Combining telbivudine and interferon also runs the risk of severe peripheral neuropathy. On the other hand, interferon switch or additional therapy in patients well controlled with NAs appears to improve the durability of off‐treatment response. This article reviews current data on interferon and NA combination and discusses potential future developments.</p> </abstract>