Περίληψη:
Interferon monotherapy provided the first hope for patients with chronic
hepatitis C that the virus could be permanently eradicated. An important
development in treating this disease was the recognition that the
effects of interferon could be greatly enhanced by combining it with
ribavirin, a nucleoside analogue. This combination regimen essentially
doubled the sustained virological response rates seen with interferon
alone. Recently, modified forms of interferon have been developed
that-when used in combination with ribavirin-demonstrate even better
efficacy. Thus, peginterferon alfa-2a (Hoffman LaRoche, Nutley, NJ) and
peginterferon alfa-2b (Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) are the latest
innovations for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The addition of a
polyethylene glycol molecule to the native interferon protein favorably
alters the pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for once-weekly
administration, and leads to superior efficacy compared to standard
interferon preparations. This article reviews the data from clinical
trials of peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b.
