the ultimate goals of antiviral therapy are to eliminate hepatitis c virus improve or normalize the liver tests and histology (microscopic appearance) prevent progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer prolong survival and improve the quality of life. only a sustained virologic response provides the possibility of achieving all of the ultimate goals since most patients who have a sustained viruolgic response will remain in remission indefinitely. the rest of the patients (non-responders partial responders and relapsers) may show improvement in blood tests with or without relief of symptoms.
what are the goals of therapy for hepatitis c virus?