Hepatitis C virus: A time for decisions. Who should be treated and when?

Table 2 Goals of treatment of hepatitis C virus

Current goals of HCV treatment
Cure HCV infection in those infected with the virus
Reduce the downstream consequences of chronic hepatitis C
Prevent cirrhosis
Prevent decompensation of cirrhosis
Prevent hepatocellular carcinoma
Reduce the requirement for liver transplantation in individuals with chronic hepatitis C
Improve life quality of those with HCV
Reduction of all-cause as well as liver disease mortality
Ideal goals of HCV treatment:
Eliminate HCV disease in its all of varied manifestations (both hepatic and extrahepatic)
Reduce the number of individuals infected with minimal or no liver disease who are important transmitters of the virus within the population
Improve the life expectancy and quality of those infected with HCV regardless of the specific clinical presentation of their infection

HCV: Hepatitis C virus.