title: [PEG-IFN/IFN monotherapy].
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.
authors.forename: Hirayuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Enomoto
authors.forename: Shuhei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nishiguchi
mesh_terms: D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D007372:Interferons; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a