Future aspects of therapy for hepatitis B virus infection: value of surrogate markers, innovative therapy, and global collaboration

Abstract

Both optimism and frustration exist regarding therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Due to the recent advent of several drugs with potent antiviral capacities and comparatively low rates of adverse effects, considerable optimism has developed regarding the treatment of these patients. Chronic hepatitis B is now a treatable disease, and suppression of hepatitis B virus replication, normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels, seronegativity/seroconversion of hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen, and decreased hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis have been documented in chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients treated with antiviral therapy. In contrast, many frustrations regarding antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B have arisen, because the disease, although treatable, is not curable. The present regimens of antiviral therapy modulate some intermediate parameters or so-called surrogate markers in chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients, but usually fail to improve all intermediate parameters or ultimate clinical outcomes. In addition, major concerns remain about the applicability and use of antiviral drugs in developing and resource-constrained countries in which healthcare delivery systems do not support the proper use of antiviral therapy. New and more effective therapeutic regimens for chronic hepatitis B patients are needed that take into account potential surrogate markers of treatment outcomes and allow for effective collaboration between resource-constrained and advanced countries.