what is the prognosis of advanced stage of hepatitis-C currently?

The natural history of chronic HCV infection can vary dramatically between individuals. Some will have clinically insignificant or minimal liver disease and never develop complications. Others will have clinically apparent chronic hepatitis. Of these, some go on to develop cirrhosis, however, the exact percentages is not known. About 20% of individuals with hepatitis C who do develop cirrhosis will develop end-stage liver disease. Individuals with cirrhosis from hepatitis C are also at an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. A major problem in discussing prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C is that it is difficult to predict who will have a relatively benign course and who will go on to develop cirrhosis or cancer. One fairly clear factor for progression to cirrhosis is concurrent alcohol abuse. Certain findings on liver biopsy can also be helpful in predicting a relatively benign or progressive course. Viral genotype may also play a role (Type 1 has a bad prognosis). Prognosis is good in patients with sustained response to interferon. The key end point for treatment efficacy in chronic hepatitis C is absence of detectable virus at six months after treatment