Reducing treatment duration in patients infected with hepatitis C genotype 1: any need for further studies?
The recommended treatment duration with pegylated interferon-alpha plus ribavirin for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 is 48 weeks. Interestingly, a subpopulation of genotype 1 patients experience rapid decreases in HCV RNA levels once treatment is initiated and attain rapid virological response, defined as undetectable HCV RNA at week 4 of therapy. Several studies have shown that these patients can be effectively treated for a 24-week period without any significant decreases in sustained virological response rates. The aim of this review was to consider the existing clinical evidence regarding the use of a 24-week treatment schedule among genotype 1 patients and to highlight the characteristics of patients most suitable for this shortened treatment schedule.
Craxì
Antonio
A
Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. craxanto@unipa.it
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b