Viral Load dropped to 78 at Week 4 triple therapy

[Advocate1955]

Hi All,
I posted a week or so ago about my 58 y o husband who is doing third round of therapy for Hep C, Genotype 1a, probably has had for 35+ years.  Liver specialist is at the University of Washington (Seattle).
Was F 1-2 with bridging fibrosis in 2007, viral load was 552,588 (middle) in 2007, 1st therapy was 12 weeks in 2007 with SOC (partial responder, viral load dropped to 28,000).  Discontinued due to poor response.
Was Advanced bridging fibrosis/between stage 1-2 cirrhosis/nodules in 2010, viral load was 800,000 in 2010, 2nd therapy was 12 weeks in 2007 with daily Infergen injections and Riba (partial responder, viral load dropped to 1,800).  Discontinued due to poor response.
In 2011, viral load was 290,000 (liver got a break with treatment in 2010).  3rd therapy started on 9/30/11 with triple therapy (Interferon, Riba, and Incivek).  Small, benign cyst on liver on past 3 ultrasounds.
We just got his 4 week lab results yesterday, viral load has dropped to 78!  Doctor says, "Amazing".  We say, "Thank God!"
He just finished end of Week 5 yesterday.  Given his history and response at Week 4, anyone have any thoughts on his chances of UND at Week 12?  I think I read somewhere that previous partial responders have a bit more than 40% chance of SVR with triple therapy.  
Advocate 1955

[Lifenet62]

Believe!! With Him ALL things are possible!!
Rooting you us all, jan

[Advocate1955]

pcds:  Thanks, he is scheduled for an 8 week VL and appt. with his NP, although due to the holidays it will be on Dec. 9.  So we will know the approx. 2 mo. VL about a week after that.  Thanks for reminding me.  I was just thinking about the next stopping point being 12 weeks UND.  I will pray for UND at 8 weeks too!  
Advocate 1955

[pcds]

You may want to ask for an 8 week VL.  At Mayo that is their protocol, 4,8,12.  Then monthly right through week 24.  I know it's not the standard, but it might give you peace of mind to get an 8 wk VL.

[slideman]

Great news!! I am on my 2nd rnd of tx first one in 2001. No luck with that. Did Incivek 12 wks with SOC. Vl at wk 1 was 1,300,000, und at wk 4 and 12. Its hard to make myself realise that this is working after the first disapointment, but so far it has!! I am finding that its hard on me to try to project into the future, because of the past failure of tx. I think for me I need to take the good news, and absorb that for a while. In wk 17 now and I am maybe, some days, once in a while, feeling like this time is different. Hang tough, vent, and ask questions often. You are in the right place on here!!

[starshine1ca]

Routing for your husband..that is great news for week 4...he is soo close to undetectible already!  Looks really promising, doesn' t it!  Wishing him success this time around...I hear so many success stories with the triple tx.  I too will be starting next week with the Boceprevir.  Sending positive thoughts, Anita

[Advocate1955]

Will:  Thank you.  59% SVR rate for prior partial responders is very encouraging.  At the end of his second treatment (daily Infergen injections + increased Riba, 12 wks), his liver specialist said that she felt that his virus seemed to have a high rate of resistance.  We will keep trudging on to 12 weeks, UND, hopefully!
Advocate 1955

[willbb]

Congrats on you husbands good 4 week result..hopfully he will be UND.  with his next PCR.

From the Telaprevir (realize trial ). ..  previous partial responders  were 59% SVR doing 48 weeks.

Best to you both..
Will

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/ucm256328.htm

Treatment Outcome All T12/PR48a  
SVR rate      
Prior relapsers 86%
Prior partial responders 59%
Prior null responders 32%