Can Low-Dose Interferon Prevent Relapse of Hepatitis C Virus Infection?

Article

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to serious diseases such as cirrhosis and cancer of the liver, so viral clearance and prevention of relapse are important treatment goals. Low-dose oral interferon may reduce the risk of HCV relapse in patients with mild liver fibrosis according to a study published in the Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research.

In "A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Interferon-Alpha in Preventing Hepatitis C Relapse," Chuan-Mo Lee and coauthors from several universities and hospitals in Taiwan present the results of a clinical trial comparing the effects of 24 weeks of treatment with two doses of oral interferon-alpha or placebo in patients who achieved viral clearance after successful HCV therapy.

"This is a highly significant study relevant to the optimal use of IFN for HCV treatment," says co-editor-in-chief Ganes C. Sen, PhD, chairman of the Department of Molecular Genetics at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio.

Source: International Cytokine and Interferon Society, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Recent Videos
Neatly Stacked Hospital Linen, Clean Fabric in Turquoise, White, and Blue Hues. Created by AI.  (Adobe Stock 1103251410 by HQAsset)
Valerie Cadet, PhD, a virologist, immunologist, and vaccinologist at PCOM Georgia
Vector-borne Diseases  (Adobe Stock)
Chicago’s Dental Society Midwinter Meeting  (Adobe Stock 7622055 by abricotine)
Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Series With ICT
Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, MD, senior fellow of the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Cameron Memorial Community Hospital series with ICT  (Image Credit: CMCH)
Cameron Memorial Community Hospital series with ICT  (Image Credit: CMCH)
Cameron Memorial Community Hospital series with ICT (Image Credit: CMCH)
Cameron Memorial Community Hospital series with ICT (Image Credit: CMCH)
Related Content