Despite the fact that hepatitis C is a serious chronic disease, a significant number of patients can be restored to health with medication. Even in patients with refractory hepatitis C, a greater chance of cure can be achieved by extending the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin to 72 weeks. Hepatitis C is a serious chronic blood-borne infection and can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. Currently, about 180 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C. However, unlike the common hepatitis B, a significant number of people with hepatitis C can recover with medication. Even patients with refractory forms of hepatitis C, such as “relapsers” after stopping treatment, non-responders and late responders after 12 weeks of treatment, can be cured by extending pegylated interferon alfa-2a in combination with ribavirin to 72 weeks when the standard course of treatment is not as effective as desired. A greater chance of cure can also be achieved. Based on the new findings, patients with hepatitis C must have confidence in overcoming the disease by increasing awareness and testing to achieve early detection and treatment, and by adhering to the medication after diagnosis, especially for those with refractory hepatitis C. The combination should be extended to 72 weeks if necessary.