The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (8): 1379-1387.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2026.08.011

• Chronic Disease Control • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research progress on predictive indicators for the efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B

Sisi CHEN1,2,Yuting LI1,2,Yan YAN2()   

  1. 1.Wuxi Medical College,Jiangnan University,Wuxi 214000,Jiangsu,China
    2.Clinical Medical Research Center,the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi,Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University,Wuxi 214016,Jiangsu,China
  • Received:2025-12-20 Online:2026-04-25 Published:2026-04-28
  • Contact: Yan YAN E-mail:yanyana20@163.com

Abstract:

Pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFN-α) demonstrates dual antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, which allow a subset of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients to attain high hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance rates within a limited treatment period. This, in turn, presents the potential for clinical cure and a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Nevertheless, its clinical application is restricted by high costs, significant adverse effects, and considerable inter-individual variability in therapeutic response. This highlights the need for accurate patient stratification. This review systematically assesses host-related factors (including age, gender, baseline alanine aminotransferase levels, interferon-related gene polymorphisms, and hepatic fibrosis status) and virological parameters (such as HBV genotype, viral mutations, viral load, and antigen/novel viral marker levels) that impact Peg-IFN-α treatment outcomes. By clarifying their predictive value and mechanistic roles, analyzing current therapeutic challenges, and suggesting individualized treatment strategies, this work aims to promote the optimization of clinical management protocols for CHB.

Key words: chronic hepatitis B, pegylated interferon alpha, advantageous individuals, hepatitis B surface antigen, predictors

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