Should I get another opinion or treat now.

[rmc1123]

Since April when I was diagnosed with HCV geno 1A I have had a biopsy and CT Scan. I have had an appointment with a hepatologist. The biopsy came back mild steatosis, very mild fibrosis stage 0/1 grade 1 viral load dropped to 9000 from 14000 ast and alt both in the 60's all other blood work is normal. The hep doc has advised me to not treat at this time because of my age 60 with new treatments that will be available in a couple years with a shorter treatment time hopefully. Doc wants to do blood work every six months with another biopsy in about a year unless I start having problems. The only symptom I have now is fatigue. I spoke with my GP last week about if he thought a second opinion would be worth it, he didn't think it would but had no problem referring me to the U of W. I have been reading this site and others daily. Sure would like to hear what others think or any thoughts you might have.

[frijole]

That is exciting.  Hopefully not too long until they hit the market...
frijole

[annieCinMD]

It's SCH 900518. Second gen to Boceprevir. This one may put Boceprevir to shame. The Phase I results look pretty good, especially for tx naive, and not too shabby at all for tx experienced.

[frijole]

So you have rolled over into a study with the trial drug?  Boceprevir?  Sounds promising being clear 2 wks into the real deal

frijole

[annieCinMD]

Ditto Jenny and frijole. I am in a study for one of the new protease inhibitors, control arm (just Peg/Riba) for 12 weeks. Blase' results, considered a partial responder. Still detectable at week 16 when I crossed over to the study drug. Cleared within 2 weeks of adding it to the cocktail. I didn't feel very good about my chances of clearing on SOC, but have a feeling I will SVR on the cocktail. Others have had equally positive responses to them. Disease is slow acting so you should be fine. I had semi annual liver function tests after my diagnosis in 2003 until I began treatment early this year. They can get a pretty good clue if something is amiss by looking at AST, ALT, etc.

[JennyPenny]

I agree that you should wait. With your genotype and age you are not in a category that has a very high success rate. Waiting for the new drugs will increase your chances of clearing. I agree with your doctor except having a biopsy in a year does not make sense. The Hep C Consensus Panel recommends a biopsy every 5 years if you do not treat.

[frijole]

Hi rmc

My stats and age are similar except no steatosis -- grade 1, stage 1-2, age 61.  I have treated and relapsed.  I am going to wait for the protease inhibitors which may be on the market late in 2011 but maybe 2012.  Most doc's don't recommend a biopsy every year -- every 3 is more like it.  

There are a lot of other factors which weigh in on the decision and if you  research this site you will find some pretty good dsicussions.

frijole