What is the primary treatment approach for chronic hepatitis C?

The primary treatment approach for chronic hepatitis C involves the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which have revolutionized the management of this viral infection. DAAs target specific steps in the hepatitis C virus lifecycle, effectively inhibiting viral replication and leading to a high cure rate in many patients. The treatment regimens are typically well-tolerated and have shorter durations compared to older therapies, which often included interferon and ribavirin.

The effectiveness of DAAs is demonstrated by their ability to lead to sustained virological response (SVR), meaning that the hepatitis C virus becomes undetectable in the patient's blood following treatment. This success has generally made this approach the standard of care for most patients with chronic hepatitis C, regardless of the genotype of the virus or the severity of liver disease.

Other options, such as interferon and ribavirin, represent older treatment regimens that are less commonly used today due to their side effects and lower efficacy compared to DAAs. Combination antiretroviral therapy is specifically for HIV treatment and does not apply to hepatitis C. Supportive care may play a role in the overall management of hepatitis C, but it is not a primary treatment approach and does not address the viral infection directly. Therefore,