[PEG-IFN/IFN monotherapy]

Nihon Rinsho. 2015 Feb;73(2):280-4.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Pegylated-interferon(PEG-IFN)/interferon monotherapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C has been used for two clinical aims; one is for the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the other is for the inhibition of hepatocarcinogenesis. In patients with a rapid viral response to PEG-IFN, PEG-IFN monotherapy can efficiently eradicate HCV with decreased side effects. A low dose treatment of interferon is suggested to inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis in patients whose ALT or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was reduced in response to the treatment, although the benefits and adverse events of IFN therapy have to be carefully evaluated.

MeSH terms

  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Interferons / therapeutic use*
  • Liver Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Interferons
  • peginterferon alfa-2a