Double dose for 72 weeks... update

[koala68]

This is a follow up on one of my previous thread...
I met again with my hepatologist today and went over the different options available.
So instead of treating right away I am going to do a new liver biopsy in early 2009 (the previous one was 3 1/2 years ago). That way I'll know how much time I can afford to wait.
Hopefully it will show about the same level of damage (Stage II, Grade II) as before and I'll be able to wait for all these new exciting drugs (such as Telaprevir, Boceprevir and Co) slated for FDA approval as early as 2010.
If on the other hand, the biopsy show significant degradation we've agreed that I would go ahead retreating with the INF+Riba right away. Most likely I'll be able to wait. Latest blood work show ALT at 58 and AST 36. Virus load is 7.9 Millions. Everything else (Hgb, White/Red cells, Iron etc...) seem within range.
Because my glucose level always remained within range over the years, my hepatologist does not feel I need to do the insulin resistance test. I am getting back into the habit of exercising every day anyway, eating healty (including  by reducing excessive salt, suger and proteins intake...) and have on my good resolution list to loose the few pounds I gained since finishing TX last year. Had I been diagnosed with IR, that's probably what I would have been asked to do.
Does it sound like a good plan for 2009?

[copyman]

No way i would double dose and damage my body twice as much as regular SOC does. I opted to do the Telaprevir trial. all i can say is Pre-tx there were 10 million little indians and after only 3 weeks there were NONE :-)
anyone able to wait for Telaprevir or get into a trial sooner DO IT !!!!

[jmjm530]

It sounds like a very good plan, but I'd just add one other option should the biopsy show "significant degradation" per your criteria. That option would be to enroll in one of the current Telaprevir trials without a placebo arm. If I remember correctly you're hesitant to try a drug still in trial, but in this case -- no placebo arm -- I really think any trial limitations would be more than outweighed by the possiblity of treating for half as long with a better chance of SVR. Think of it, 72 weeks of double-dosing versus 24 weeks of triple.

-- Jim

[Trinity4]

Sounds like an excellent plan.  Double Dosing any of the SOC meds scares me.  I know some are all for it, tailoring their treatment, but there is barely established data out there as to what standard doses of these drugs do to our bodies long term, never mind bombarding it with double doses.  So, I think your plan is a good one.  Wish you the best.
Trin