Goals of antiviral treatment for hepatitis B

(1) The ideal treatment endpoint: HBeAg-positive and -negative patients with persistent HBsAg disappearance after drug discontinuation, i.e., hepatitis B cure. However, it is difficult to achieve this endpoint with the existing anti-HBV drugs. (2) Satisfactory treatment endpoint: HBeAg-positive patients achieve durable anti-HBe seroconversion or HBeAg-negative at baseline with durable virologic and biochemical responses after drug discontinuation and persistent HBeAg negativity. (3) Secondary most desired endpoints: HBeAg-positive patients who do not achieve anti-HBe serologic conversion; HBeAg-negative patients who achieve sustained virologic suppression with long-term antiviral therapy. In conclusion, the endpoint of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B is to maximize suppression of viral replication and promote long-term stability of liver function through rational treatment.