Chronic Hepatitis C: Advances in Therapy and the Remaining Challenges.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection contributes significantly to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), often requiring liver transplantation. Introducing direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has radically changed HCV treatment. DAAs achieve high rates of sustained virological response (>98%). Even then, resistant-associated substitution and HCC during or after treatment have become prominent clinical concerns. Further, several clinically significant issues remain unresolved after successful HCV eradication by DAAs, including treating patients with chronic kidney disease or decompensated liver cirrhosis. Extensive and large-scale screening and treatment implementation programs are needed to make DAA therapies effective at the population level.