Substantial loss of intrahepatic HBV cccDNA during antiviral combination therapy translates into long-term clinical benefit

Background/aims: The aim of the study was to determine the virological, serological, and histological outcome, including cccDNA, in chronic Hepatitis B (CH-B) patients after 48 weeks of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFNalpha2b) and adefovir (ADV) combination therapy (year-1-data): Hepatology2006;44:675–684), followed by 96 weeks of ADV mono therapy. Here we report the final analysis of the study after 144 weeks of antiviral treatment. Methods: 26 patients received a 48 week course of PEG-IFNalpha-2b (1.5µg/kg) and ADV (10mg) followed by 96 weeks of ADV. 21/26 patients reached the end of the three year course and fro…