Hepatitis C Research

Examples of current hepatitis C research directions include:

Diagnosis

Improved diagnostic tools are being studied. One such tool is a rapid oral test to detect hepatitis C antibodies. Another promising diagnostic tool uses a series of blood tests to diagnose the extent of liver fibrosis, thus lessening the need for the more invasive liver biopsy.

Genetic Factors

Research is investigating the role of genetic factors in the development of hepatitis C, including immune responses to infection, how some people are able to rid their bodies of the virus, and why different genotypes respond differently to treatment.

HCV Treatment

Less toxic and more long-lasting medications are being developed and studied. Research is also examining special hepatitis C populations, including:

• alcohol and drug users
• children
• people with acute hepatitis C or long-term hepatitis C
• people who also have renal disease or HIV
• people who don't respond to treatment or relapse after treatment
• transplant recipients

Hepatitis C Vaccine

Because people who recover from hepatitis C can become re-infected, the traditional techniques used to develop vaccines haven't been successful. The creation of reliable culture systems for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is essential to the development of a hepatitis C vaccine and improved hepatitis C treatment. Early in 2007, scientists at the University of Washington developed a unique way to grow the HCV in the laboratory.

Hepatic Fibrosis

The primary complication of chronic hepatitis C is hepatic fibrosis, which leads to the development of cirrhosis and liver disease. Scientists are investigating the fundamental mechanisms that contribute to HCV-induced progressive fibrosis.

Liver Dialysis and a Bioartificial Liver

Researchers are working to develop a liver dialysis device that helps detoxify the body if the liver is unable to remove toxins from the body. Another research area is the creation of a bioartificial liver that not only helps detoxify the body, but also performs some of the metabolic functions of the liver. Both devices would give the liver time to regenerate and function without assistance, or support liver functions until a suitable liver transplant becomes available.

Liver cancer test

The epidermal growth factor (EFG) plays an important role in human cell growth. A mutation (change) in the EFG gene appears to double a person's risk of developing liver tumors, especially for people with cirrhosis of the liver. Mutations in the EFG gene are associated with higher blood levels of EFG, which has previously been shown to increase a person's risk of liver cancer.