Treatment type 3

[MaryJC]

Hi, I am type 3e HepC. Probably contracted virus in the 70's. Did 6 months treatment in 2003,PegIntron/Rib and was virus free. After waiting 6 months did blood test checkup, the virus was back.One dr. recommended I do treatment for 48 weeks and another said do nothing. I am healthy, symptom free,62 yrs.female, Stage2Phase2(biopsy), and don't drink alcohol.(my viral count before treatment was over 8ml.) Treatment was difficult,required neupogen and procrit. I am waiting to see results of type3 patients who are doing 48 weeks instead of 24. Do you have any results yet from these patients? What is the relapse rate of type 3's after 48 weeks? From what I read, type 3 responds well to treatment, but seems to relapse more than other types. In the meantime my enzymes and all blood tests are in healthy normal range...except my viral count which continues upward.
Since I paid for this question, I have another... when I had my liver ultrasound after treatment a gall bladder polyp was found.Is this common with liver issues? Should I be concerned?
Thanks, MJC

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The type 3 genotype of hepatitis C normally has a 70 to 80 percent response rate to antiviral therapy.  

I could not find data about treating prior non-responders specifically for the type 3 genotype.  The rate of response is dependent on prior treatment and response.  The lowest rate was for the type 1 genotype, the highest rate was for those treated with combination therapy.  In general the response rate in these cases was approximately 15 percent.  

Treatment for gallbladder polyps would depend on the size.  Smaller polyps (<5mm) can be observed.  Larger ones (>10mm) may necessitate removing the gallbladder.

These questions should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[MaryJC]

Thanks for the reply. I was not a "non responder". I responded very well... cleared virus within 2 months and stayed clear throughout 24 weeks treatment. I was a "relapser". And I have read that those who relapse may have difficulty and relapse again, even after 48 weeks. Just wanted to know if you had heard anything new on this. For instance, could the fact that my viral count was so high, or my age have had anything to do with my relapse?  MJC

[Christie2004]

Try over on the Hepatitis forum.  The folks there, while not medical people, are quite knowledgable on many aspects of the disease.

My husband was a relapser, too.  He was a 3a.  Took 48 weeks worth of treatment several years ago with Infergen when it was new, only to relapse by 6 months after tx.  Then PegIntron came on the market (brand spanking new back then) and his doc put him on it for 48 more weeks alone (no riba-remember this was WAY back when), he cleared rapidly and has stayed clear for almost 3 years now.

Poke around over on the Hep forum.  There are some 3s over there.